Lomas' clear narrative and up-to-date archaeological knowledge is just the right combination to illuminate the fascinating story of the emergence of Rome as a world power.

Kathryn Lomas has excavated the complexities of myth, written sources and archaeological stratigraphy to produce her clear historical synthesis of the political foundations of early Europe.

Lomas shows great skill in uncovering reliable and fascinating information about an obscure and poorly documented period of history, and presenting it in an engaging and straightforward way. Her book is original for its extensive use of new archaeological evidence, and for telling the remarkable story of the Italian background to the rise of Rome.

This is an admirably clear and engagingly written book. It offers an impressively wide-ranging and up-to-date synthesis, and does an excellent job of situating the city-state of Rome and its rise to hegemony in their wider Italian context.

The remarkable story of how a great empire sprang from such innocuous beginnings is chronicled in this compelling work, which couples a sweeping narrative with a wealth of historical detail including maps, plans and illustrations.

Lomas' clear narrative and up-to-date archaeological knowledge is just the right combination to illuminate the fascinating story of the emergence of Rome as a world power.

Kathryn Lomas has excavated the complexities of myth, written sources and archaeological stratigraphy to produce her clear historical synthesis of the political foundations of early Europe.

Lomas shows great skill in uncovering reliable and fascinating information about an obscure and poorly documented period of history, and presenting it in an engaging and straightforward way. Her book is original for its extensive use of new archaeological evidence, and for telling the remarkable story of the Italian background to the rise of Rome.

This is an admirably clear and engagingly written book. It offers an impressively wide-ranging and up-to-date synthesis, and does an excellent job of situating the city-state of Rome and its rise to hegemony in their wider Italian context.

The remarkable story of how a great empire sprang from such innocuous beginnings is chronicled in this compelling work, which couples a sweeping narrative with a wealth of historical detail including maps, plans and illustrations.