‘Pacy and compelling’ – The Sunday Times

‘A highly readable gallop through a number of major military crises in Roman history’ – The Sunday Telegraph

The gripping stories of the most colourful and formidable characters to challenge the might of Rome

This engrossing book looks at the growth and eventual demise of Rome from the viewpoint of the peoples who fought against it. Here is the reality behind such legends as Spartacus the gladiator, as well as the thrilling tales of Hannibal, the great general, Boudicca, the rebel leader and Mithridates, the connoisseur of poisons, among many others. Some enemies of Rome were noble heroes and others were murderous villains, but each has a unique and fascinating story.

Alaric • Arminius • Attila • Boudicca • Cleopatra •
Decebalus • Hannibal • Josephus • Jugurtha • Mithridates •
Orodes II • Philip V • Shapur I • Spartacus • Vercingetorix •
Viriathus • Zenobia

Philip Matyszak is the author of several books on the classical world, including The Sons of Caesar, Chronicle of the Roman Republic and Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day, all published by Thames & Hudson.

See the author's website

Also of interest
The Sons of Caesar
Chronicle of the Roman Republic
Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day
Legionary: The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual