"David Potter's Ancient Rome is really a wonderful achievement! Expanding the chronological range as he does, from Rome's beginning to beyond the Arab Conquest, does precisely what one had hoped and expected: it adds immense nuance and complexity to the 'usual' narrative of Rome's decline and shows instead the tremendous achievements (and failures!) of individual leaders in concert with structures and institutions. . . . To convey that narrative, both in engaging detail but also in the necessary synthesis, is an extraordinary and very welcome achievement."

"David Potter has written what will be the definitive new overview of Roman history from very early times to the end of antiquity. In a narrative that is clear and concise, while also being scholarly and well informed, Potter affords his readers a panoramic view of the political history and cultural development of the Roman Empire over a period of nearly fourteen centuries. . . . This introduction goes far beyond the basics to show the kinds of issues and debates that have made Roman history a perennial topic for study across the ages."

"Written with rare verve and style. . . . David Potter's take on events is often original and always thoughtful and provocative. The narrative moves crisply along, seamlessly weaving sections on social life, the economy, and culture into the broader fabric of each chapter. All in all, this is the work of a master of his craft."

"This is a first-rate, compelling narrative of Roman political and cultural history from the first kings of Rome to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The scope of this survey is impressive but what sets it apart from other textbooks is the inclusion of selected primary documents and texts."