How did a single village community in the Italian peninsula eventually become one of the most powerful imperial powers the world has ever known? In A Brief History of the Romans; Second Edition; Mary T. Boatwright; Daniel J. Gargola; Richard J.A. Talbert; and new coauthor Noel Lenski explore this question as they guide students through a comprehensive sweep of Roman history; ranging from the prehistoric settlements to the fall of the empire in 476. Addressing issues that still confront modern states worldwide--including warfare; empire building; consensus forging; and political fragmentation--the authors also provide glimpses into everyday Roman life and perspective; demonstrating how Rome's growth as a state is inseparable from its social and cultural development. Firmly grounded in ancient literary and material sources; the text analyzes major political and military landmarks; from the Punic Wars through Constantine's adoption of Christianity. It also features thirty historical maps revised under the supervision of coauthor Richard J. A. Talbert; almost 100 illustrations; and textual extracts that provide fascinating cultural observations made by ancient Romans themselves.Package this book with Now Playing: Studying the History of Ancient Greece and Rome Through Film for FREE! To order; contact your Oxford Sales Representative and use package ISBN 978-0-19-934334-8.
#520787 in Books Oxford University Press; USA 2013-03-26 2013-03-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .50 x 9.20l; .65 #File Name: 0199941211224 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy NjeukamOK5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. He presents to us a beautiful and diverse cultureBy Jon BusbeeThe intent of this work by Northrup was not necessarily to add new knowledge to what we already knew about Africa; but to introduce entirely new ideas. Northrup's thesis is in essence to dispel the notion of African positivity in regards to European relations during the slave trade; and essentially taking ideas regarding the role of Africans in a new direction and telling a very vivid and personal counter narrative to Eurocentric history. In "Africa's discovery of Europe;" Northrup provides not only a vivid counter narrative; but also a very effective and descriptive one. He presents to us a beautiful and diverse culture; as well as a side that was violent and unforgiving; as was the case in many places during these centuries. These perspectives leave a detailed impression on the reader. Undoubtedly; Northrup's book would cause any scholar to question their previous knowledge about Africa's existence and encounters with Europeans prior to the 19th century version of the slave trade. Given such an intense topic; he has an obligation to readers to produce more detailed knowledge about the encounters. The initial encounters Africans had with Europeans were exaggerated in description; these exaggerations were especially noticeable when Northrup describes African facial features. Northrup acknowledges that there were some downfalls related to the understanding of the sources. It is fair to make the assumption that an individual who didn't know much about Africa would be overwhelmed with the information in the text. Due to these slight issues; we give this book a 4 out of 5 review. - Jon; Amber; Renaldo; David2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. David Northrup; "Africa's Discovery of Europe." Boston: Oxford University Press. 2014. $32.53.By Lauren williamsIn "Africa's Discovery of Europe;" David Northrup engages primary sources to refute the metanarrative that Africa was unequivocally dominated by the Europeans. Northrup contends that prior to the European influence Africa was economically interdependent with rich political traditions. Intended for an academic audience; "Africa's Discovery of Europe" incorporates primary source narratives; travel ledgers; letters; and other historical media. This text is organized into six chapters; which spotlight primary sources relevant to the chapter's theme called "Voices." Although Northrup provides ample sources; explanatory footnotes that offer background information not readily available or known would improve the reading experience. Northrup's text centers around the assumption that readers feel sympathetic towards Africans' relations with Europeans during this period of discovery. The book's brevity does not undercut its academic content. Northrup successfully builds a foundation of the interactions of Africans and Europeans from points of view that are rarely depicted. Despite the abbreviated length of this history text; Northrup's incorporation and analysis of primary sources enrich the understanding of Africa from 1450-1850.-The Blue Crew (Mia Cabello; David Berumen; Lauren Williams; and Daniel Cisneros)
