The extraordinary history of the epic rivalry between the ancient world’s two great superpowers.
“Magnificent.” —SpectatorThe Roman Empire was like no other. Stretching from the north of Britain to the Sahara, and from the Atlantic coast to the Euphrates, it imposed peace and prosperity on an unprecedented scale. Its only true rival lay in the east, where the Parthian and then Persian empires ruled over great cities and the trade routes to mysterious lands beyond. This was the region Alexander the Great had swept through, creating a dream of glory and conquest that tantalized Greeks and Romans alike.
Tracing seven centuries of conflict between Rome and Persia, historian Adrian Goldsworthy shows how these two great powers evolved together. Despite their endless clashes, trade between the empires enriched them both, and a mutual respect prevented both Rome and Persia from permanently destroying the other.
Epic in scope,
Rome and Persiacompletely reshapes our understanding of one of the greatest rivalries of world history.
Adrian Goldsworthyreceived his DPhil in ancient history from Oxford and has taught at Cardiff University, Kings College, and the University of Notre Dame in London. He has appeared in documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery. The author of numerous books, including/Caesar;Augustus;Philip and Alexander;/andPax Romana, he lives in South Wales, UK./
“Goldsworthy wears his deep knowledge of the Roman world lightly and knows how to tell a good story. His history also might strike a very contemporary note of interest for many people—men and women alike.”
New York Times“Parts of
Rome and Persiaread like the script of a Latin American telenovela, with labyrinthine twists and turns to match. It’s a complicated story with proxy wars alƒf
![Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/0/6/3/2_6984665.jpg "Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry [Paperback]")