When we think of ancient Rome, the first notion that comes to mind is the one of the empire, followed by the image of a mighty emperor, his legions, colossal buildings, and the Gladiators (or the rhetoric and poetry, depending on your preferences). Some may recall the image of a "unified" Europe under a single sovereign - the emperor of Rome. However, Rome did not become remarkable at this considerably late phase. In fact, many historians see the history of Rome under the Emperors as a long, gradual decline. It was during the Republic that Rome gained an empire. Most of the achievements that the first emperor of Rome, Octavian Augustus, claimed to have completed were, in fact, earned during the Roman Republic.

In this book, we'll have a close look at the beginning of Roman civilization, the foundation of the city and the Senate, the expansion of the Roman Republic, its glory, and its end.

Some of the topics covered in this book include:

• The Past that Made It Possible: The Foundation of Rome between Myth and History
• Down with the Kings: The Past that Made It Happen
• Early Republic
• Military Achievements of Early Republic: Taking Italy
• Middle Republic: The Punic Wars and Mediterranean Dominance
• The Military vs. Cultural Dominance: The Roman Civilization meets the Greek World
• Limitless Power and the Beginning of the End: The Late Republic
• The Age of the Generals: Pompeius, Crassus, and Caesar
• Senatus Populus-Que Romanus (SPQR) and Its Downfall
• The Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar and the End of the Roman Republic
• And a Great Deal More You Don't Want to Miss Out On!