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 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.  So, how many times a day do you think about the Roman Empire? The general consensus seems to be an awful lot, and All Roads Lead to Rome explains why. So, dive into the history of Rome and its pervasive influence and gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the global landscape today. 

Rhiannon Garth Jones is an historian who works with both material culture and textual sources, with a PhD on the Muslim visual language of power and relationship with Rome during the “Golden Age” of Islam. Since her undergraduate degree in Classics, Rhiannon's research has traced the impact of ancient Rome on cultures, empires, and religions around the Mediterranean and beyond. She is also a skilled public communicator who has spent ten years writing for a public audience about materials science, material culture, sports, energy policy, and more. 

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