You're no idiot, of course. The battle scenes in Gladiator had you on the edge of your seat and wondering where you could find more information on the rise and fall of ancient Rome. But, so far, your search has left you feeling like a blundering barbarian. Pick yourself up off the Colisseum floor! Consult 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Roman Empire', a fun-to-read introduction to the fascinating history, people, and culture of Ancient Rome. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:
-The history of the Roman Empire's rise and fall.
-An idiot-proof introduction to the great epic literature of the Roman Republic.
-A survey of the Romans in arts and popular culture.
-Fascinating details of some of history's most nefarious emperors, including Nero, Caligula, and Commodus.