This amply illustrated book offers a concise, lively, and authoritative overview of the history of ancient Rome, from its earliest foundations to its legacy in the modern Western world. Information is provided accessibly with feature sidebars and easy-to-use reference pages at the end. Each chapter has its own substantial annotated bibliography in addition to a comprehensive general list of recommended printed and web resources, and further reference tools include a list of international museum collections, chronologies and a general index. This book will appeal to a wide range of general readers, museum visitors, undergraduate students and life-long learners.