All Roads Lead to Rome

'Brilliant. A fresh and highly engaging look at how Rome still shapes the world today.' Jonn Elledge

'This book will change the way you think about world history.'  Raphael Cormack'Authoritative and engaging.' Subhadra Das'A fascinating and entertaining analysis of how Rome’s propaganda has colonized our collective imaginations.'Eleanor Janega

'Eloquent, well-researched and witty.' David M. Perry

How many times a day do you think about the Roman Empire? The general consensus seems to be an awful lot. All Roads Lead to Rome explains why.

Rome is more than just a city; it’s an enduring idea, a symbol of identity, power and legitimacy that has shaped the course of history for over 1,500 years. From ancient emperors to modern world leaders, Rome’s influence in building the world we know today is undeniable. 

In All Roads Lead to Rome, author and historian Rhiannon Garth Jones embarks on a fascinating exploration of how the idea of Rome has been seized by emperors, modern governments, religious leaders and even pop-culture icons.  

Each chapter examines how Rome’s famous history, politics and mythology have been reimagined through the centuries, and explores how these interpretations continue to shape our modern world. Whether you’re interested in history, contemporary global issues or simply curious about why Rome remains relevant, this book offers a fresh perspective on the lasting significance of one of history’s most famous civilisations. 

Dive into the history of Rome and its pervasive influence and gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the global landscape today.

Maps vi
Cities of the Roman Empire xvi
1. Introduction 
Part One Religion 
2. The New Rome 
3. The Holy Roman Empire 
4. The Third Rome 
Part Two Empire 
5. Conquering Rome: the Ottoman Empire 
6. Pax Romana, Pax Britannica 
7. Roman Fasces, European Fascism 
Part Three Culture 
8. Rivalling Rome: the Empires of Early Islam 
9. The New Republic: USA Edition 
10. Conclusion: All Roads Lead to Rome 
Want to Know More? 
Full Bibliography 
Timeline 
Acknowledgements 
Index