Michael Crawford (1) (1939–)

This is not a narrative history of Republican Rome. It is not an introductory text. Readers approaching this book must bear this in mind. If they need a history of Rome from 390–30 BC then they need to look elsewhere. I think some of the confusion of other reviewers arises from this fact. The fact that it is part of the "Fontana History of the Ancient World" (really the Graeco-Roman World) gives it a higher profile and probably misleads some as to its nature.

This book is an examination of key themes and periods of the Roman Republic. If you know something of the historical framework and the wider context then it is a rewarding read. Crawford makes some good observations about the solidarity of the senatorial aristocracy, the militaristic essence of that aristocracy, the effects of Greek influence and the nature of reactions to it, issues arising from a growing empire, and the breakdown of senatorial solidarity in the Republic's last century. He utilizes his studies of ancient coins during the discussion as well as inscriptions and other representational evidence.

The real caveat with this title is its age: its scholarship was only seven years old when I purchased it as a first year undergraduate in 1985. Things have moved on considerably since then. Focus has shifted from politics and economics to issues such as identity and representation. Crawford still has valuable things to say, but one needs to check how understandings have progressed in the intervening 37 years.… (meer)