Why We're All Romans: The Roman Contribution to the Western World

This lively account of Roman administration, law, engineering, architecture, art, and literature traces 1200 years of history from Rome's inception to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This engaging yet deeply informed work not only examines Roman history and the multitude of Roman achievements in rich and colorful detail, but also delineates their crucial and lasting impact on Western civilization.

"The author makes his case in an engaging and entertaining way. . . . He writes with remarkable clarity. His description of the Latin language as 'vigorous and precise' could well apply to his own prose, and the text is enlivened by his wry humor. Richard has a particular knack for selecting anecdotes that are telling and often amusing. . . . His historical assessments . . . are consistently balanced and perceptive. . . . This book will serve as a very good introduction to the ancient Romans and their achievements, and readers with a prior knowledge of the topic will profit from the author's insights." --Renaissance Magazine

"Richard gives us another work on classical influences, aimed at educated but nonexpert readers. Taking a broader focus than in his previous titles, he does not limit his study only to influences on early America but seeks to demonstrate how Roman culture influenced later Western culture in nearly all disciplines, including law, engineering, literature, and philosophy. . . . An entertaining and informative book for readers interested in a broad view of Western reception of Roman culture." --Library Journal, July 2010

About the Author

Carl J. Richard is professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.