This lavishly illustrated book, aimed at those aged 8 and above, introduces young readers to just about every aspect of Roman civilisation: history, domestic life, religion, entertainments, etc. etc. All the usual topics are covered in bite-size chunks, written in clear English, with no shortage of exclamation marks. At the back will be found The Big Roman Quiz, an age-appropriate glossary and a brief index of topics. Each double page spread is self-contained and visually appealing through its varied and colourful formats: photographs, drawings, text boxes, maps; ideal for children to dip into randomly and read about whatever topic grabs their interest. The textual content is thorough and accurate, and it would be difficult to imagine anyone, young or old, not leaving a reading session without having learned something new… [a] wide-ranging and attractive offering.

• Rise of Rome 6Legend of Romulus & Remus 8Abduction of Sabine Women 10The period of Kings 12Republican Rome 14Hail, Caesar! 16Imperial Rome 18Power play 20Epic Emperors 22Women behind the throne 24The five good emperors 26Eruption of Pompeii 28Enemies of Rome 30The fall of Rome 32Eternal city 36Brilliant builders 38All roads lead to Rome 40What a waste! 42Milestones in Roman life 44Teenage kicks 46The role of women 48Savage slavery 50On the money 52Let’s talk Latin 54It all adds up 56Join the feast 58What’s up, doc? 60Romans on the march 62Ready for battle 64Marine masters 66The great Roman wall 68Here come the gods 72Roman gods fact files 1 74Roman gods fact files 2 76Are you there God? It’s me, Marcus 78Meet the priests 80Let the games begin 82Close-up Colosseum 84Enter... the gladiators! 88Gladiator school 90Roman quiz 92Glossary & quiz answers 94Index 96