Rome ― Empire of the Eagles

British archeologist Faulkner tells the story of the Roman Empire in this history for general readers. In his preface he notes that most of what we know of Rome comes from narratives that are of necessity biased. While his is an informed study, it is still his interpretation. Faulkner allows that the Empire was glorious in many ways but that it was also built and financed on a policy of constant conquest. He looks at many of the standard chroniclers with fresh eyes and questions the validity of some of the assumptions historians have made based on them. While he eschews footnotes, Faulkner does cite his sources within the text. This book is a fine alternative to standard texts. If some of the events in Roman history seem familiar to readers, Faulkner would remind them of the adage about those who fail to learn from history. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Archaeologist and historian Neil Faulkner works as a lecturer, writer, editor and professional broadcaster. He has worked as excavation director for Time Team and is an Honorary Lecturer at the Instituteof Archaeologyat the University College of London.

His previous books include The Decline and Fall of Roman Britain(2004) and Apocalypse: the Great Jewish Revolt against Rome , AD66-73(2004) and Hidden Treasures, which accompanies the BBC series.