It is a very simple statement to say that this volume (and latest) edition is an excellent introduction to the geo-political development of the power centered on Rome (through its origins, the Republic, the Empire, into the Byzantine period and the decline of the city’s power in mid 7th century). It is an introductory account focused on classical history, with detailed explanations of the concepts and ideas, beliefs and religions that underpinned one of the most remarkable periods in the development of Europe, the Mediterranean and near East. Therefore, the necessary brevity of this review is in part a response to the sheer scope of Potter’s work, and to avoid too much of an attempt to summarise each chapter, rather to invite archaeologists to read it as an accessible narrative into which we frame Roman archaeological remains (especially in Britain). For this volume is in fact relatively little concerned with archaeology or material culture, yet makes excellent use of coins, artwork, jewellery, maps and photos of notable locations. The end result of these high quality graphics, combined with a well-structured and explained chronological chapter layout is one of the facets that elevates this book above others on the same topic, because it makes it so accessible, because as a synthetic introduction it means you do not have to trawl for information but can select sections, or dip into periods within the history of Rome at will and absorb in a fairly casual fashion. This is supported by a good index, a glossary of the principal Latin terms, recommended reading arranged by chapters, and a preface and introduction that explains the authors approach and use of various sources.
The scope of this book is inspiring, beginning with the accounts and legends of the foundation of the city of Roman in the 8th century BC, and charting the rise of its power and influence, followed by a slightly drawn out decline to the Great Persian War and rise of Islam in the mid 7th century. That this account is never drawn out or tedious, but is compacted into approximately 350 pages is a testament to the academic prowess of the author (a Professor of Greek and Roman History at the University of Michigan). From the beginning, Potter uses the chronological framework to move beyond a traditional narrative, but rather uses that narrative that takes the more well-known legends, figures and established events to weave a more involving text that focused on ides and identity. Each chapter is preceded by a colourful map and timeline to support this, and closed by a bulleted summary of the key themes that underpin it. The initial chapter places Roman and its neighbours within themes linguistics and domestic structure without losing site of the political rise of the early Kings, and leading to the laws that framed the Republic. The rise of Rome across Italy, the Republic and then the Empire gravitates by necessity to wars and conquest, yet discusses much on the relationships of different sections of society: people, peoples and places, and the consequences on culture, tax and administration, which did not follow a smooth trajectory. The successes and failures of politics and the military are used to provide a gateway to broader social patterns that transition smoothly between classes of society and laws passed, lingering possibly a little of Caesar, but his impact on history cannot be disputed.
It is fully halfway through the book that it arrives at Augustus and the full establishment of the Empire, and this reflects very well on a balanced account that is not simply focused on Imperial power, book-ended by a prologue and epilogue of the ‘other’ pieces of Rome’s history. As the narrative moves through the Emperors, it provides a welcome synthesis and observations on populations and patterns of settlement; the adequacy (or not) of political responses and their relationship with economic success (or not) and cultural attitudes. Religion relative to society is possibly treated quite lightly within this but is not ignored, rather appears to punctuate particular emperors with references to specific cults, festivals and the basic acts of belief. The account of the 3rd century AD is perhaps the most traditional in its telling through politics, taxes and reforms, possible because of the sheer volume of upheaval that occurred, and the perceived absence of some of the earlier thematic approaches is noticeable, but as the decline of the Empire at its peak takes hold, the author provides very welcome insights into the various peoples and powers that would impact and ultimately occupy the former territories of Rome, and subsequently the city. The author readily admits there was no single date for the fall of Rome, but provides a highly engaging synthesis of impacts of various incomers and emperors relative not only to control, but religion and economy. In conclusion, one must recommend this book because of how it engages with both the reader and subject matter; providing a wealth of detail across a huge topic in a manner that only provokes you to want to delve deeper into the subject matter. It captures the energy of the successes and failures of the trajectory of Rome, thus students and archaeologists of Roman Britain must be encouraged to look up from the remains and artefacts beneath them to the less tangible world they once existed in, and this is an exceptionally well-executed introduction.