“[D]elightful. . . . fascinating, original and fun. The story of Rome is of course extraordinary. But the way it is told by Harney brings it to life.” —Financial Times (best books of 2024)
Description
Hold the glory—and infamy—of ancient Rome in the palm of your hand with this “brilliant combination of history and storytelling” (Conn Iggulden, author of the Emperor series) as it explores history’s greatest superpower, as told through humanity’s most universal object: the coin.
When Gareth Harney was first given a Roman coin as a child, he became entranced by its beauty, and its unique ability to connect us with the past. He soon learned that the Romans saw coins as far more than just currency—these were metal canvases on which they immortalized their sacred gods, mighty emperors, towering monuments, and brutal battles of conquest. Revealed in those intricate designs struck in gold, silver, and bronze was the epic story of the Roman Empire.
Now, with his “novel and highly readable” (Philip Matyszak, author of The Blood-Red Sunset) voice and engaging research, Harney traces ancient Rome’s rise, from a few huts on an Italian hilltop to an all-conquering empire spanning three continents, through the fascinating lives of twelve remarkable coins. A unique and enthralling “combination of history and expert storytelling” (Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women) for all history buffs.
Reviews
“Great fun to read . . . . Absorbing—even gripping . . . . Harney covers a thousand-plus years in his creative, colorful recap of the rise and fall of the Roman world.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Excellent...enjoyable…1,000 years of Rome told in an engaging new way.” —The Times (London)
“[Harney] has done an excellent job of providing an overview of Roman history. . . [and] the fascinating story of Roman coins.” —Bowling Green News