The Roman Empire, 27 B.C.-A.D. 476: A Study in Survival - Softcover

"The distinguished ancient historian, Chester Starr, Bentley Professor of History at the University of Michigan, has long been known for the comprehensiveness of his scholarship and the succinct clarity of his writing. This book is no exception. It will appeal both to beginning students of ancient history and to scholars, precisely because he opposes the familiar historical issue of Rome's decline with an investigation of the reasons for its long survival....Starr's tale is not unfamiliar, but rarely has it been told so effectively."--Richard Brilliant, History: Review of New Books "A well-thought-out book that gives a good overview for students of Roman history. Ideal as a supplement to a general text, both for the basic Western Civilization survey course and also for the more specialized Roman history course. Pocket-sized format convenient for students."--M.C. Rosenfield, Southeast Massachusetts University "Excellent--clear, concise and interesting to students."--Carole Straw, Mount Holyoke College "An accessible text for undergraduates. The students find it an excellent introduction when combined with source readings; well organized and beautifully written."--Carol S. Leonard, State University of New York, Plattsburgh "A very concise but thorough survey which will be very useful in my ancient history survey course." --Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina "I'm going to use Starr's book...as a synthesizing work to recap much of the course. Starr links literary and nonliterary sources, many avenues of approach, science and contemporary contexts. Above all, Starr makes an argument, in a series of stages, that is worth the students' attention."--James M. Heath, Bucknell University

In this probing study, Starr covers the whole sweep of imperial Roman history, analyzing the binding forces of government and the army as initiated by Augustus, the maturing of these forces under subsequent emperors, and the eventual collapse of this network in the western provinces. Not simply a chronological summary, the book explores in piquant, telling detail the elements and institutions that shaped the empire's history.