The book “Ancient Rome” tells about the greatest of all empires that existed in the world. Examining six major turning points that largely shaped the history of Rome, the author builds his gripping narrative of the rise and fall of the first superpower in world history - a state machine unsurpassed in its cruelty, genius, and desire for power.

The book is literary version of the sensational series of programs on the BBC channel. Exploring the complex, often vicious personalities of such powerful rulers as Pompeii the Great, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero and Constantine, Simon Baker provides a solid historiographical basis, focusing especially on the most interesting arguments. The result is the story of Ancient Rome - the world's greatest empire, unsurpassed in its cruelty and genius.