The Story of Rome as Greeks and Romans Tell It: An Elementary Source-Book (Classic Reprint)

Discover Rome through its own voices and early recordsThis elementary source-book offers a clear, accessible guide to the origins and rise of Rome, using actual ancient texts and careful commentary. It presents the story from Rome’s early settlement to the Republic’s reforms, explaining how historians evaluate sources and separate myth from fact. The book helps readers understand how Romans themselves wrote their history, and how later readers interpret those writings.Structured to support learning, it frames who the writers were, what kinds of sources exist, and why some accounts are more trustworthy than others. It combines excerpts, summaries, and explanations to illuminate Rome’s political reforms, social conflicts, and key figures without overwhelming the reader with jargon. Explains the value and limits of different historical sources, from fasti to annals to orations. Introduces the period of the kings, the rise of the Republic, and important reforms and events. Shows how ancient writers shaped our view of Rome and how modern readers should study them. Offers context for major episodes like the Gracchi reforms and the transition to empire.Ideal for students and general readers who want a accessible, evidence-based overview of Rome’s beginnings and development. Read more