IT WAS AN AGE OF GLORY…
…BUT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD.
‘A riveting account of Justinian’s reign that challenges traditional consensus’ Kirkus Reviews
The sixth-century AD witnessed a remarkable turn-around in the Roman Empire’s fortunes. Justinian’s general, Belisarius, recovered North Africa and Italy from the barbarians. An impressive new law code was inaugurated that would endure to this day. Astonishing building projects, like the iconic Hagia Sophia, rivalled the great monuments of Old Rome.
But rather than restoring Rome’s greatness did Justinian in fact pave the way for its collapse less than a century after his death? Drawing on the contemporary sources, especially those of the chronicler Procopius, Nick Holmes reveals a darker side to Justinian – a ruthless opportunist, whose costly conquests and misguided priorities drained the empire’s wealth and critically weakened its army.
This is the fourth volume in Nick Holmes’ series on the Fall of the Roman Empire. The first three books trace the empire’s story from the ‘crisis of the third century’, through its reinvention by Constantine as a Christian state, and then onto the fall of its western half. A fifth volume will tell of its rapid demise in the seventh century AD, when the first Islamic Caliphate became the new superpower of western Eurasia.
Praise for Nick Holmes’ Books
‘A talent for storytelling’ Kirkus Reviews
‘Clear, succinct and compelling’ AudioFile Magazine
‘Perhaps the best historical story-teller alive’ Amazon Reviewer
Barry Willliams –
good
ben –
Very interesting, niche book. Delivered on time and in great condition.
Toby –
I found the book disappointing, pages cheap no pictures and everything about it was disappointing
Yolanda Bedolla –
Messoamerica mythology
I am still reading both books interested me on history
Deysi –
love it
It is really fun and interesting
Princess Chanteuse Sparkles Sous Vide –
Basic
I mean really basic. The writing style is dull and boring and pedestrian. like it was written for maybe a 6th grade history class? Also no maps no pictures no pronunciation guides. I’d skip it.
Lloyd Hunt –
Children stories
I assume I was getting a book on the myths of these civilizations but instead I got child stories from said civilizations. Like our Peter Pan story. Childhood stories. I wanted to learn about the myths. Bad title.
Dean Clarke –
Not what is claims to be
This book is clearly aimed at very young audience, children’s stories for children; shame.