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
Awais Irshaad –
The price is a bit high but worth to read it.
Groover –
Worth the money I thought and good go to reference guide for the future
John From Comber –
This series of books makes learning so interesting & is a must have if you’ve kids in the family.
Graham Cammock –
This book is very interesting. It is unbelievable to know that you are reading about the very first civilisation, the Sumerians, who had 39 firsts including the invention of writing, irrigation and the wheel etc. You learn a lot about the different, city-states, kings, wars, gods, creation myths and a lot more etc. A valuable read. I highly recommend!
L WILSON –
I have read many books on Sumeria and the Biblical world (Mesopotamia). This book is excellent. Easy to read and very informative. It also contains many helpful illustrations. Recommended.
Kreggysue –
This is an interesting read, but a bit dry in its telling. While this is a history of The Sumerian Civilisation and no doubt aimed at the Scholastic it needs to be a bit more rounded. Perhaps paint a picture of daily life for all.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amazon Customer –
This book contains some interesting facts but the writing style is unengaging and rather basic. A large collection of facts have been cobbled together, resulting in a book which almost reads like a list, with short sentences and endless figures (areas in both acres and hectares!). Some of the hypotheses are not well evidenced or explained and the book obviously hasn’t been proof read. Considering this is an entry level book, terms and abbreviations would benefit from definitions. A missed opportunity- this could have been a pleasant read with some good editing.
Neil –
I would highly recommend this book. It was a well written overview of the subject. The maps and pictures let the book down due to their lack of clarity.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trevon Harris –
Great Overview
This book is a general overview of Sumerian history. It isn’t an in-depth, detailed account of the fullness of Sumerian history, but it is definitely informative enough for those who (like myself) have already studied Sumerian history and culture and just need a quick run-through book as this to refresh their memory, or for those who may just be getting started in the subject and need sturdy information to feed their curiosity. Overall, it serves a very practical purpose and is indeed useful.
Kaan K. –
Good reading but suspicious content
Although I enjoyed reading it, I can’t recommend it to others.The book has no references neither to any author nor to any external resource. It felt so weird reading history with no references. Almost certain that it was written by AI.It very likely contains misinformation as well. Shouldn’t be read as a resource of education.