For me, it wasn’t a frequent thought until recently. With the release of Gladiator II, I decided to revisit the first film and found myself much more invested in its world and themes. While many had issues with Gladiator II, I thoroughly enjoyed it—the action, spectacle, and immersive theatre experience made it one of the most engaging historical films I’ve seen in a long time. It may not be entirely accurate, but it did what a great historical film should do: spark curiosity. That excitement led me to pick up The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire by Anthony Everitt, eager to explore the real history behind the legendary civilization that inspired the film.
I didn’t conduct extensive research on where to start reading about Rome, but this book caught my eye when its cover stood out to me, and I was determined to explore more about Rome. While I’m sure there are more detailed or scholarly works available, The Rise of Rome serves as an engaging introduction to the story of Rome’s beginnings, covering its early myths, historical foundations, and rise to dominance. It provides a readable, albeit somewhat brief, account of Rome’s path to empire, though I found that the transition from republic to empire felt hurried near the end. Ancient Rome continues to be a major influence on modern storytelling, appearing in films, books, and even science fiction. Even outside of direct depictions like Gladiator, references to Rome are ubiquitous—such as in Alien: Romulus, where the name itself evokes themes of foundation, survival, and expansion. It’s fascinating to see how Rome’s legacy endures not only in history but also in our collective imagination. Reading Everitt’s account of Rome’s origins deepened my appreciation for how foundational these myths and histories have been in shaping Western storytelling.
Everitt organizes his book into three sections: Legend, Story, and History. Legend delves into Rome’s mythical origins, including the story of Romulus and Remus. It is particularly intriguing to see how Romans regarded these myths not merely as tales but as essential components of their identity. Homer’s influence is apparent, with Roman leaders and citizens looking to The Iliad and The Odyssey as guides for heroism and governance. The power of myth in shaping civilizations is a theme that remains pertinent today. Story transitions from mythology to semi-historical accounts, discussing figures such as Aeneas and early Roman kings. While it’s challenging to distinguish fact from fiction in this period, Everitt presents the narratives in a manner that aids the reader in understanding how Romans perceived their own past. History ultimately shifts into a more documented era, covering the expansion of Rome, its military conquests, and political struggles. This section provides some of the book’s most captivating material, though at times it feels disjointed. The transitions between chapters could have been smoother, and the organization of events sometimes made it difficult to follow a clear timeline.
The book highlights how Rome’s innovations in government, law, and warfare have shaped the world we live in today. The Roman Republic established the foundation for modern democratic principles, and its legal system influenced many laws that are still in use worldwide. Reading about Rome’s governance prompted me to reflect on how deeply its systems are embedded in our modern institutions. Of course, Rome’s story is not solely one of triumph. The Republic was plagued with corruption, power struggles, and relentless warfare. Everitt does an excellent job summarizing key conflicts, but I occasionally found that his descriptions of wars and political intrigue lack cohesion. The book jumps between events instead of weaving them into a continuous narrative, which can make it challenging to fully grasp the cause-and-effect relationships that led to Rome’s transformation.
One of my main critiques of the book is how it handles the transition from Republic to Empire. The title, The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire, suggests a broad scope, but in reality, the focus is more on the Republic’s formation and struggles. The shift to an imperial system feels somewhat rushed, almost like an afterthought. While Everitt provides an engaging account of Rome’s foundations, I expected a deeper dive into how it evolved into the empire we recognize today. That said, I understand that Rome’s rise to imperial dominance didn’t happen overnight—it was the culmination of centuries of political maneuvering, military conquests, and social upheaval. This period of transition is complex, filled with shifting political dynamics and military campaigns that reshaped the ancient world.
Overall, I wouldn’t call The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire the definitive history of Rome’s formation, but it was a compelling and digestible introduction. Everitt’s writing is accessible, making complex historical events easier to follow, even if the narrative structure felt a bit uneven at times. This book has made me eager to explore more in-depth histories of Rome, particularly those that delve into the fall of the Republic, the formation of the empire, and the empire itself. If anyone has recommendations for books that provide a more detailed account of these developments or explore different aspects of Roman history, I’d love to hear them. Rome’s history is vast, and I’m excited to continue learning about it!
I LOVE THE ROMAN EMPIRE
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