The Roman Empire in Context: Historical and Comparative Perspectives

While historians, sociologists, and political scientists have long recognized the importance of the Roman Empire, surprisingly little serious comparative analysis is currently available on this fascinating period in world history. The Roman Empire in Context: Historical and Comparative Perspectives addresses this neglected area of study and establishes Rome’s significance within comparative studies. Various lines of inquiry and interpretation are explored through a series of thought-provoking essays by distinguished scholars from around the world.

Essays in the first section trace the origins, development, and expansion of Roman society and empire from their beginnings through the transition from Republic to Empire to the empire’s greatest expansion. Other sections address the empire's transformation in Late Antiquity, not least under the impact of Christianization; the legacy of the Roman Empire in East and West; and comparative perspectives on other ancient empires such as China and Assyria. Final essays offer broad conceptual and theoretical reflections about the Roman phenomenon.

With an approach that is both contextual and comparative, The Roman Empire in Context: Historical and Comparative Perspectives provides a wealth of insight into the Roman experience and enhances our understanding of Rome’s ongoing relevance to the modern world.