Embark on a fascinating foray into the lives of the Ancient Romans in this second instalment of David Long’s What it was like to be… series.
Who were the Romans and how did this small tribe come to dominate Italy before establishing the largest empire the world has ever seen? Why were the Romans such brilliant innovators, responsible for inventions including newspapers, concrete, surgeon’s tools and even an efficient postal system? What made their army invincible and their buildings so remarkable? And why, eventually, did the whole empire come crashing down?
David Long explains what life was actually like for ordinary Romans as well as their famous emperors, while also looking at the lingering influence of Roman civilisation throughout the world.
Reviews
"Well written and informative text, enlivened by monochrome illustrations, introducing the young reader (aged 8-9) to ancient Roman society … clearly set out and well-pitched with technical terms kept to a minimum, and the maps are uncluttered and easily comprehensible. It’s a really informative read." – The English Association
"A masterclass in bringing the past into the present and getting children buzzing about history … the knowledge-rich feast offers a brilliant historical overview of a fascinating period … I hope for more in this series and after exploring Romans and Vikings I am excited to see where they go next. Could it be The Mayans, The Aztecs, The Egyptians or The Greeks?" – A Word About Books, blog
“Here is a concise but highly informative and entertaining title that gives young readers a brilliant overview of the history of the Roman Empire in an accessible read perfect for KS2 readers.” – Mrs Sydney’s Famous World’s Smallest Library
About the author
David Long is a journalist and author of non-fiction for both adults and children. A writer since leaving university, his work has appeared in the Sunday Times and London’s Evening Standard. His engaging non-fiction reflects his unquenchable thirst for fascinating stories from the past, and in 2017 his book Survivors won the Blue Peter Award for the best book with facts.
