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
John S Whitaker –
I really enjoyed reading this book.
SCH –
Like the rest of this series, it is concise to the point have enjoyed the whole set
Mr B. –
No dislikes. Interesting and informative.
Kmc –
Holy good stuff
It was,well written ,easy to follow along, poignant, precise and concise. I wad wondering if the one emissary priscus was going to show up. And sure enough he did. .Y
Jacob S. –
Remarkable
Very Talented writer, just an Awsome series. I’m really looking forward to the next 3 books.If you’re a history buff like myself, you’ll love this series 🙂
Lori –
Interesting history
Good read on History
Brad –
A good read
The author has a style which makes the history of that period very interesting rather than dour. He sometimes also offers his theories on certain events which are very plausible. The historical journal from Priscus offers an idea of what Attila was like, and the chronology of emperors at the end of the book is a good summary.
Hamilcar Barca –
“He was just as scheming and back-stabbing as any good Roman.”
Rome and Attila, Book 3 in a projected 6-volume series, focuses on the short-but-critical historical time period 410-476 CE, although it also recaps the events of 360-410 CE, which were detailed in Book 2. I enjoyed meeting all sorts of movers and shakers in the decline of the Roman Empire. Attila receives the primary focus; almost 100 pages of the book are devoted to his life and impact. But a lot of other players also are introduced, including Ataulf, Valentinian III, Aetius, Theodoric, Ricimer, Marjorian, Alaric, Gaiseric, and Odoacer. A number of influential women are also spotlighted, including Galla Placidia, Hypatia, Honoria, Kreka, Aelia Pulcheria, and Aelia Eudocia. Galla Placidia is a particularly memorable. I was impressed with the way the author juggles the various military powers and their activities. You have Western Roman Emperors, Eastern Roman Emperors, Persians, Huns, White Huns, Visigoths, usurpers, Vandals, and all sorts of Germanic tribes, each carrying out their own agenda. Yet somehow it never became confusing. I also liked the way other influences are addressed cited in explaining the Rome’s collapse. Climate change caused the Huns to pull up stakes and move en masse eastward. The Huns used Germanic mercenaries to bolster their ranks, and therefore were dependent on Roman tribute to keep their position of dominance. The Persian Empire was beset by other Hunnic hordes, so they became keen on maintaining friendly relations with Constantinople, which spared the Eastern Empire the tribulations endured by Rome. The occasional “aside” sections were also great. When Rome fell, what happened to the legionnaires stationed in the hinterlands? Who were the Huns, where did they come from, and why did they disappear so quickly and thoroughly upon Attila’s death? How did the lives of ordinary citizens change after law and order collapsed throughout the western Empire? The interludes addressing these questions were both fascinating and informative. I’ve read all three “Fall of the Roman Empire” and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. I’m particularly intrigued by what the subject matter of Book 4 will be. The remnants of the Western Roman Empire falling into a prolonged abyss called the Dark Ages? The Eastern Roman Empire learning to get along without its European sibling? Or will the focus be on both halves equally? Inquiring minds want to know.