9781838863005Synopsis: “Think of Rome and you quickly picture so many treasures from the ancient world: the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Pantheon, the Forum. At its height in the 2nd century CE, the Roman Empire, reaching out from its heart in the city of Rome itself, was the most extensive political and social structure in western civilization. Still today, almost 2000 years later, we marvel at how sophisticated and grand Roman society was – and how much of ancient Rome has survived for us to see in the modern Italian metropolis. From public baths to catacombs, from the Appian Way to small frescoes and sculptures, from temples to private houses to aqueducts, Visual Explorer Guide: Ancient Rome shows the reader both the world famous and lesser known sites in the city. What emerges is both a picture of the grandeur of Antiquity, but also the last days of pagan worships, as by Rome’s final days temples were being converted into churches. Small enough to pack in your pocket, Ancient Rome is a fascinating exploration that gives the reader more than a glimpse of the grandeur of ancient Roman life. “

My Review

This was another fab travel book from Amber Books, those publishers who keep tempting me and other bookbloggers with their wonderful nonfiction books on NetGalley.

The book is split up into six chapters including an Introduction, The Forum, Palatine Hill, Leisure, Monuments and Statues, Religion, Infrastructure and of course the Picture Credits.

I actually spent a day in Rome when I went inter-railing back in the 1980s, and have always wanted to go back again for longer. This book definitely makes me want to visit sooner rather than later!

I think my favourite photos were of the Coliseum, the frescoes from Villa Livia now in the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme of the Museo Nazionale Romano, and my favourite chapter was Monuments and Statues full of amazing structures and cravings!

I thoroughly enjoyed my armchair visit to Ancient Rome and would definitely consider buying a copy to take with me if I ever do go back.

Highly recommended if you enjoy travel books.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and AmberBooks for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.

Book 16/20