What Life Was Like: When Rome Ruled the World : The Roman Empire 100 Bc-Ad 200

Provides a look at the Roman empire, detailing its history, social customs, professions, class ranks, military, and religion

Gr 8 Up--This oversized volume is filled with attractive art and artifacts. Virtually every page contains full-color photographs of mosaics, statues, murals, and everyday objects. Four chapters outline the Roman power structure and major players, the classes of citizens, discord in Caesar's armies, and the early Olympic games. Personal accounts offer glimpses into Roman life: beauty rituals, marriage customs, entertainment, superstitions, trades, and burial rites, to name a few. While the art and personal vignettes should create interest, the text may not. The small font and the lack of subtopics create a heavy look. The writing style is wordy, and the paragraphs and sentences are long. A mixed bag of excellent illustration and mediocre text.

Leigh Ann Jones, Carroll Middle School, Southlake, TX

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