The Taming of the Demons examines mythic and ritual themes of violence; demon taming; and blood sacrifice in Tibetan Buddhism. Taking as its starting point Tibet’s so-called age of fragmentation (842 to 986 C.E.); the book draws on previously unstudied manuscripts discovered in the “library cave†near Dunhuang; on the old Silk Road. These ancient documents; it argues; demonstrate how this purportedly inactive period in Tibetan history was in fact crucial to the Tibetan assimilation of Buddhism; and particularly to the spread of violent themes from tantric Buddhism into Tibet at the local and the popular levels. Having shed light on this “dark age†of Tibetan history; the second half of the book turns to how; from the late tenth century onward; the period came to play a vital symbolic role in Tibet; as a violent historical “other†against which the Tibetan Buddhist tradition defined itself.
#46779 in Books Adrian Goldsworthy 2016-09-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.44 x 6.12l; .0 #File Name: 0300178824528 pagesPax Romana War Peace and Conquest in the Roman World
Review
60 of 60 people found the following review helpful. A Must Read for Anyone Interested in Roman HistoryBy Martin LobelFor anyone interested in Roman history this is a must read. The author combines an encyclopedic knowledge of original sources and recent archeological discoveries with a fluid almost effortless style of writing to make this THE source book for anyone interested in this period of Roman history. Of course; one shouldn't be surprised since he has written the definitive biographies of both Julius Caesar and Augustus; not to mention the fall of the Roman Empire; Anthony and Cleopatra; the Roman army etc. His analysis is measured and balanced. He admits where the evidence is weak and lays out the basis of his opinion so the readers can judge for themselves.I've been a student of Greek and Roman history for many years and can truthfully say no author has captured the nuances of Roman rules more accurately than Adrian Goldsworthy.68 of 72 people found the following review helpful. Very Enlightening with Excellent ResearchBy J. GroenWhen I think of the Roman Empire; I think of wars; violence; cruelty; etc. I don't think of peace; and yet; Mr. Goldsworthy makes a compelling argument that; in fact; thanks to the Roman Empire; the area under its control experienced one of the most peaceful periods in the history of mankind. He does this via excellent research; and numerous detailed examples. He does recognize that the peace started to fall apart in the 3rd century AD and continued until the end of the Roman Empire. And; this was self inflicted. The people didn't rebel; they wanted to be part of Rome. However; the individuals in power wanted total power; and Rome had numerous civil wars and turnovers of emperors; via murder. This resulted in the decline of the military. When the barbarians outside the empire saw this; and saw their opportunity to have Rome's peace and prosperity; they of course raided and ultimately invaded; when the Roman military couldn't push them out.This is a great book. An important add to anyone's library who is interested in the history of Rome. Even though it can get dry at times; I found it very enlightening.54 of 57 people found the following review helpful. Pax Romana by noted ancient British historian Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy will add to your knowledge of the Roman Empire in antiquityBy C. M MillsYour humble reviewer is a retired Presbyterian pastor. As such I have spent much of my life studying the Roman Empire from whose womb the egg of the Christian faith was hatched in the first century. In the field of Roman studies my favorite authors include Mary Beard and Adrian Goldsworthy. In this new book Dr. Goldsworthy:a. Shows us the nuts and bolts of how the mighty Romans governed their widespread empire. The administration of foreign provinces was left in the usually competent hands of governors/prefects/procurators who usually did a good job in dealing with slave trade issues; local rebellions; tribal disputes and the collection of tax revenues.b. The ancient world was a bloody arena and only those who were aggressive and warlike were able to survive. No one what better at that feat that the Romans. Social Darwinism was manifest!c. The Roman bureaucracy and government by the Senate was very effectibve.d. Rome kept the peace for the most part in Europe and the Middle East.e. Major rebellions against Roman rule did occur in Spain; Gaul (Caesar was the conqueror of this vital region) Germany (the Romans were uinable to defeat them) and also in parts of Italy.f. The Romans produced a classical literature that has withstood the test of time. The book is well illustrated with a fine bibliography but the text is somewhat dry . Lots of funny sounding tribal and ancient names to keep track of.Good information and a good book.
