The Roman Revolution (The Fall of the Roman Empire)

I purchased this book because I wanted to learn more about Roman times, particularly leading up to, and around the time of Constantine. My purchase was rewarded with the most spectacular work I've seen on the subject! I was able to identify areas MOST interesting immediately in the well-organized table of contents. After satisfying my initial question, I found myself grabbing the Audible version and allowing my aging eyes to relax while I absorbed the most comprehensive treatment on the subject I've ever held. Then, before completing the first book in the series, I returned to the Amazon store to complete the trilogy.As a rule, I rarely read a book twice. I anticipate reading and listening to this series until I am able to fully digest and exhaust the enormity of it all, and understand the the multitude of ways ancient Rome has shaped the world in which we live today. Excellent work, Mr. Holmes! Thank you for your diligent dedication to producing a detailed examination of Rome; in all of its tragedies, triumphs, and innovation.

This is the first of a projected four books about the fall of the Roman empire, beginning with the Western part and later the Eastern. The initial book covers very generally the period from the founding of Rome through the monarchy, republic and early empire. The focus however is on the numerous crises that the empire faced in the third century, ending with the reign of Constantine. Although the Western empire would last for almost 200 more years, it is the author's thesis that the fall began here. According to the introduction, the "Revolution" in the title refers in part to the growth of Christianity throughout the empire, but that is not the main subject of the book. Indeed, it is otherwise barely mentioned. The author writes well, and this is an easy read, but probably not meant for those who already have knowledge of Roman history.

In my humble, an excellent review of early Roman history, updated and much shorter than from Gibbon. Stiil, if you are willing to make the commitment, and all big books are commitments, and you're interested in Roman history, you should read Gibbon. Also remember when reading any history, it's relayed to us by the winners, and the author adds a bit of their own bias. I enjoyed this read. I will continue the series.....

The Roman Empire, along with the Byzantine Empire, is unique in that it went through a period of decline but recovered to become a new and strong empire. Nick Holmes’ book focuses on the Empire’s crisis of the Third century. The author describes numerous causes of the decline, many not discussed by other historians. For example, Italy and North Africa experienced a drastic climate change in the Third Century which decreased grain production. Holmes concludes by discussing the Emperors who rescued Rome from decline and enabled it to emerge as a viable, if different, empire. Holmes tells his story in a readable and relatively short book. Many books discussing Rome exceed one thousand pages. This book is less than three hundred pages.

A well written overview on am important topic. Lessons to be learned for then AND now. Looking forward to the rest of the series

It is a good starting point for anyone just learning about the rise of Rome, first as a Republic and later as an Empire.Each chapter is a very short but readable vignette in the history of Rome up to the fourth century.With that said, if you are interested in something more detailed about topics in each of these chapters, you will not find it in this book.It's well worth a read. Just don't expect detailed explanations in this book.

This book explains how the Roman Empire got to the point where it stopped persecuting believers but used Christianity as a stabilizing influence during catastrophes.

I did like it