The classic work of the famous historian Nikolai Aleksandrovich Mashkin (1900–1950) was published for the first time in 1947, was reprinted many times, was translated into many languages and has not lost its significance to this day due to the depth of its content and clear presentation. The author consistently reveals the history of the development of Rome, the interconnection of political, socio-economic and cultural life. Closely linking culture with society, the scientist points out the importance of Roman culture for humanity, explores the origins of Christianity and the patterns of its transformation into a world religion. The publication contains an essay on the life and work of N. A. Mashkin, a detailed bibliography on the history of Ancient Rome. For students of history departments of universities. The textbook can be used by teachers of secondary schools and colleges.

Contents: Introduction Source study and historiography of ancient Rome Sources of Roman history Historiography of ancient Rome Pre-Roman Italy and the most ancient period of the history of Rome Natural conditions of ancient Italy Ancient population of Italy The era of the early Republic Rome and Latium in the 5th and early 4th centuries . BC e.Struggle between patricians and plebeiansConquest of Italy by Rome and the fight against PyrrhusPolitical and social system of Rome by the beginning of the 3rd century. BC e. Transformation of Rome into the strongest state in the Mediterranean. The struggle of Rome with Carthage (until the end of the 3rd century). Rome and the Hellenistic states in the first half of the 2nd century. BC e.Foreign policy of Rome in the West in the first half of the 2nd century. BC e. Conquest of Macedonia and GreeceRoman society in the middle of the 2nd century. BC e.Roman culture in the middle of the 2nd century. BC e.Era of civil warsClass struggle in Rome in the 30s and 20s of the 2nd century. BC e.Foreign policy of Rome in the West at the end of the 2nd century. BC e. Social struggle at the end of the 2nd and beginning of the 1st century. BC BC The struggle between Maria and SullaThe Roman state after the death of Sulla and the uprising of SpartacusThe Roman state in the 60s of the 1st century. BC e. (internal and external situation)The first triumvirate and the conquest of GaulThe struggle between Caesar and Pompey. Dictatorship of CaesarCivil wars after the death of CaesarRoman culture of the late Republican periodEra of the early EmpirePrincipate of AugustusEmperors of the Julio-Claudian dynastyItaly during the Julio-Claudian periodRevolts in the provinces of the Empire in the 60s. I century n. BC Flavian Dynasty (69–96) Roman Empire in the 2nd century. Antonine dynastySocial structure of the Roman Empire in the 1st–2nd centuries. n. e.Roman culture I and II centuries. n. e. Crisis of the 3rd century. Dynasty of Severus (193–235) Classical period in the history of Roman law Dominance of soldier emperors Internal life of the empire in the second half of the 3rd century Late Roman Empire Reign of Diocletian (284–305) Reign of Emperor Constantine Internal life of the Roman Empire in the 4th century and V centuries. n. e.Fall of the Western Roman EmpireBibliographyList of Roman emperorsChronological tableIndexReference material