The story of ancient Rome is one of the great tales of human history. This richly illustrated book offers a fascinating insight into the rise of Rome, which ruled almost the whole known world from Britain in the west to north Africa and the Middle East. Over 1500 years after Rome's final decline and fall, this examination of the people, places and events of this military and political empire will absorb any reader. Magnificent photographs, specially commissioned illustrations, family trees, maps, battle plans and time charts build up a panoramic picture of the political strength of the Roman empire and its policy of ruthless military conquest.