"Ancient Rome, as a subject, has always attracted and fascinated people. The extent of its vast empire, much of it a result of its efficient military power, was such that many Romans believed that they governed the whole world, as it was then known, and that it was their right and destiny to do this. That empire has influenced later civilisations and its classical tradition can be seen in our own time in such diverse areas as language, customs, architecture and modes of thought. Visitors to Rome, throughout the centuries, have marvelled at its monuments and speculated on the lives of its people." "This book, concentrating on life in the city of Rome in the late republic and the empire, also takes examples from Rome's provinces. Readers will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of its people through Rome's government, administration, economy and trade. They can contemplate how ordinary Romans lived their daily lives - how they worshipped, travelled, fed themselves, entertained --