Roman Empire: Power and People

<p>The Roman Empire is arguably the most formidable of powers the world has ever seen. By AD 117 it had engulfed almost fifty countries we know today, marrying a fascinating range of cultures and traditions. <br /> <br /> This thoroughly illustrated book explores the diverse peoples of the Roman Empire: how they viewed themselves and others as Romans and examining their enduring legacy today, from the languages we speak, to the legal systems we live by, the towns and cities we live in and even to our table manners. <br /> <br /> Featuring some of the finest pieces from the Roman period in the British Museum collection, including sculpture from the villas of the Emperors Tiberius and Hadrian, coins from the famous Hoxne treasure, jewellery and even near- perfectly preserved children's clothing, <em>Roman Empire: Power and People</em> demonstrates that although the wealth and might of the Empire rendered it irresistible and often unstoppable, provincial traditions and heritage flourished in the face of overwhelming change. <br /> <br /> <em>Roman Empire: Power and People</em> accompanies the touring exhibition of the same name from 21 September 2013 - 12 January 2014. <br /> <br /> <strong>Authors</strong> <br /> <br /> <strong>Dirk Booms</strong> is a curator of Roman architecture, sculpture, inscriptions and glass at the British Museum. He has participated in excavations in Belgium, Turkey, Italy and Tunisia. <br /> <br /> <strong>Belinda Crerar</strong> is a curator of the Romano- British collection at the British Museum. Her main academic interests include Roman Imperial art, history and archaeology and she has excavated on several sites in Britain and Italy. <br /> <br /> <strong>Susan Raikes</strong> is Head of Learning and Volunteers at the British Museum and is curator of the exhibition 'Roman Empire: Power and People'.</p>

The Roman Empire is arguably the most formidable of powers the world has ever seen. By 117 AD it had engulfed almost fifty of the countries that we know today, marrying a fascinating range of cultures and traditions.

This stunningly illustrated book explores the diverse peoples of the Roman Empire: how they viewed themselves and others as Romans, and examining their enduring legacy today, from the languages we speak, to the legal systems we live by, the towns and cities we live in and even to our table manners.

Featuring some of the finest pieces from the Roman period in the British Museum collection, including sculpture from the villas of the Emperors Tiberius and Hadrian, coins from the famous Hoxne treasure, jewellery and even near-perfectly preserved children's clothing, Roman Empire: Power and People demonstrates that although the wealth and might of the Empire rendered it irresistible and often unstoppable, provincial traditions and heritage flourished in the face of overwhelming change.