The first two centuries AD are conventionally thought of as the ''golden age'' of the Roman Empire, yet Italy in this period has often been seen as being in a state of decline and even crisis. This book investigates the relationships between city and countryside in Italy in the early Empire, using evidence from literary texts and inscriptions, and the wealth of data derived from archaeological field surveys over recent years. Looking at individual towns and regions aswell as at the broader picture, and stressing the diversity of situations across Italy, John R. Patterson examines how changing patterns of building and benefaction in the cities were related to developments in the country, and underlines the resourcefulness of the cities, both large and small, inseeking to maintain and develop their civic traditions.

The first two centuries AD are conventionally thought of as the 'golden age' of the Roman Empire, yet Italy in this period has often been seen as being in a state of decline and even crisis. This book investigates the relationships between city and countryside in Italy in the early Empire, using evidence from literary texts and inscriptions, and the wealth of data derived from archaeological field surveys over recent years. Looking at individual towns and regions as well as at the broader picture, and stressing the diversity of situations across Italy, John R. Patterson examines how changing patterns of building and benefaction in the cities were related to developments in the country, and underlines the resourcefulness of the cities, both large and small, in seeking to maintain and develop their civic traditions.

Praise for Take Their Breath Away

"Are you bored? We''re so spoiled that when something is merely good enough, we just walk away. Chip and John explain that the surefire method for growth and customer loyalty is simple: don''t be boring." —Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow and Tribes

"Take Their Breath Away shows how legendary customer service delivery can win and keep devoted customers for life. I LUV this fantastic book." —Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus, Southwest Airlines Company

"No one knows more about creating profit through service than Chip and John. If you want to know the best way to do it, read Take Their Breath Away. The examples in this book will certainly start your creative juices flowing and help your organization take your customers'' breath away. —Howard Beharformer, former president, Starbucks Coffee International.

Praise for Take Their Breath Away

"Are you bored? We''re so spoiled that when something is merely good enough, we just walk away. Chip and John explain that the surefire method for growth and customer loyalty is simple: don''t be boring." —Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow and Tribes

"Take Their Breath Away shows how legendary customer service delivery can win and keep devoted customers for life. I LUV this fantastic book." —Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus, Southwest Airlines Company

"No one knows more about creating profit through service than Chip and John. If you want to know the best way to do it, read Take Their Breath Away. The examples in this book will certainly start your creative juices flowing and help your organization take your customers'' breath away. —Howard Beharformer, former president, Starbucks Coffee International.

The first two centuries AD are conventionally thought of as the ''golden age'' of the Roman Empire, yet Italy in this period has often been seen as being in a state of decline and even crisis. This book investigates the relationships between city and countryside in Italy in the early Empire, using evidence from literary texts and inscriptions, and the wealth of data derived from archaeological field surveys over recent years. Looking at individual towns and regions aswell as at the broader picture, and stressing the diversity of situations across Italy, John R. Patterson examines how changing patterns of building and benefaction in the cities were related to developments in the country, and underlines the resourcefulness of the cities, both large and small, inseeking to maintain and develop their civic traditions.

The first two centuries AD are conventionally thought of as the 'golden age' of the Roman Empire, yet Italy in this period has often been seen as being in a state of decline and even crisis. This book investigates the relationships between city and countryside in Italy in the early Empire, using evidence from literary texts and inscriptions, and the wealth of data derived from archaeological field surveys over recent years. Looking at individual towns and regions as well as at the broader picture, and stressing the diversity of situations across Italy, John R. Patterson examines how changing patterns of building and benefaction in the cities were related to developments in the country, and underlines the resourcefulness of the cities, both large and small, in seeking to maintain and develop their civic traditions.

Praise for Take Their Breath Away

"Are you bored? We''re so spoiled that when something is merely good enough, we just walk away. Chip and John explain that the surefire method for growth and customer loyalty is simple: don''t be boring." —Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow and Tribes

"Take Their Breath Away shows how legendary customer service delivery can win and keep devoted customers for life. I LUV this fantastic book." —Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus, Southwest Airlines Company

"No one knows more about creating profit through service than Chip and John. If you want to know the best way to do it, read Take Their Breath Away. The examples in this book will certainly start your creative juices flowing and help your organization take your customers'' breath away. —Howard Beharformer, former president, Starbucks Coffee International.

Praise for Take Their Breath Away

"Are you bored? We''re so spoiled that when something is merely good enough, we just walk away. Chip and John explain that the surefire method for growth and customer loyalty is simple: don''t be boring." —Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow and Tribes

"Take Their Breath Away shows how legendary customer service delivery can win and keep devoted customers for life. I LUV this fantastic book." —Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus, Southwest Airlines Company

"No one knows more about creating profit through service than Chip and John. If you want to know the best way to do it, read Take Their Breath Away. The examples in this book will certainly start your creative juices flowing and help your organization take your customers'' breath away. —Howard Beharformer, former president, Starbucks Coffee International.