Rome: The Autobiography

The history of Ancient Rome has been passed down to us through official accounts, personal letters, annotated words of great orators and the considered histories of powerful men. It is found on inscriptions, in private memoirs and official reports from every corner of the Empire. Over 150 pieces are collected in this autobiography of Ancient Rome, from the written accounts of Caesars and slaves, generals and poets on major battles, conspiracy and politics to the minutiae of everyday life and includes amongst them: How to keep a slave by Cato the Elder; The Life of a Roman Gentleman, by Pliny the Younger; Gang Warfare in Rome, by Cicero; A Chariot Fight, by Julius Caesar; Female Athletes and Gladiators, by Juvenal; The Eruption of Vesuivius, by Pliny the Younger; Nero Murders Britannicus, by Tacitus; On Going to bed with Cleopatra, by Mark Antony; Homosexuals in Rome, by Juvenal; Alaric the Visogoth Sacks Rome, by Jordanes; The Great Fire of Rome, by Tacitus;Gladitorial Shows, by Seneca; Two Days in the Life of an Emperor's Son, by Marcus Aurelius.

Jon E. Lewis is a historian and writer, whose books on history and military history are sold worldwide. He is also editor of many The Mammoth Book of anthologies, including the bestselling On the Edge and Endurance and Adventure. He holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in history. His work has appeared in New Statesman, the Independent, Time Out and the Guardian.