From the Gracchi to Nero: A History of Rome from 133 B.C. to A.D. 68

by H.H. Scullard

Book Overview

From the Gracchi to Nero is an outstanding history of the Roman world from 133 BC to 68 AD. Fifty years since publication it is widely hailed as the classic survey of the period, going through many... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0416561004
• ISBN13: 9780416561005
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Methuen Publishing
• Length: 494 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

From the Gracchi to Nero

For almost fifty years, H. H. Scullard's text on Roman history, From the Gracchi to Nero: A History of Rome from 133 B.C to A. D. 68, has been a staple of introductory Ancient History courses. Scullard's writing is clear, concise, and for the most part it stays away from embellishment or falling into the trap of creating a coherent narrative. While the endless stream of names, dates, places and times can be difficult to keep track of, the book if collected into a mostly chronological and thematic selection of chapters revolving around a particular topic - The Gracchi, Pompey the Great, Julius Ceasar and so on. The work is split into roughly two halves. The first deals with the time from the Gracchi brothers and their attempts at social reform, to the Second Triumvirate, when Octavian, Antony and Lepidus combined their power for the good of the Roman Republic. Along the way we learn of Brutus' treachery against Julius Ceasar, we learn of the rise and fall of Marius, who instigated reforms that allowed cracks to form in the previously impregnable Republic, and of poor Sulla. The second half focuses on Octavian's massive success in making himself the sole ruler of Rome. He destroyed the Republic, shifted the power from the Senate to himself and, to a lesser extend, the People, and he also, somewhat amazingly, set in place a structure that would create peace for two hundred odd years, which would then go on to assist in the creation of modern Europe. Indeed, the 'universal peace' or Pax Romana of 27 B.C. or so until about 180 A.D. has inspired many nations and people's around the world to believe in the possibility of a further universal peace in our own (or their own) time. These halves are bookended with examinations of the literature, architecture, philosophy and general lifestyles of the times. These parts are perhaps the most relevant for reader's interested in understanding the 'feel' of Ancient Rome during it's most turbulent and difficult times. The wars, betrayals and changes of the period from the Gracchi to Nero inspired names that are still great today - Virgil and his Aeneid, Horace and his satires, Livy and his magnificent history of Rome, Cicero and his speeches, Seneca and his philosophy. Scullard goes to great lengths to show that Ancient Rome was not beholden to Ancient Greece for its genius, instead it built upon the towers of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and countless more to create its own mythology, its own art, its own method of artistic and creative expression. How did Rome go from a small city state - of which there were many in Italy at the time - to the massive, 'world' spanning empire that it later became? Scullard surprisingly offers no hard and fast answers to this, though several reasons may be gleaned from the texts. The complex political machinations of the Roman Republic encouraged - almost demanded - that ambitious young men go off in search of war and conquest, and this of course led to ever expanding borders

A Hit!

An excellent introduction to this turbulent period in Roman political history. Recommended for all students of Rome. Very thorough, but stays interesting throughout. Very factual, yet still allows one to form one's own ideas on the transformation of Rome from republic to principate. Scullard's extensive footnotes provide students with ideas on both the Ancient sources as well as modern contributions. An excellent Book!

solid examination of a rapidly changing period

Scullard provides the advanced class with a good solid examination of one of the most confusing and violent periods of Roman history. Using his work, one can see how a Caesar or a Pompey or even an Augustus is not only an outstanding man but a product of his society and his time. A good lesson for those who think one man can make all the difference without considering the complexity of politics and human culture.

Scullard has given students an invaluable resource.

From The Gracchi to Nero by H.H. Scullard is an excellent starting point for any student or enthusiast of Roman history. His explorations and explanations of the rise and fall of the military dynasts Pompey, Marius, Sulla, Caesar and Octavian are well written and fascinating. The book is extremely valuable for its detailed footnotes and thus provides the student with avenues for further analysis and research.

Overview of the end of the Republic

An excellent book for those who want an overview of the time period, as well as for the person who has not read a great deal on ancient Rome. The bibliography and endnotes are extensive, and they allow any interested reader to find more information about particular topics. Highly recommended