An in-depth exploration of the myths and legends of early Rome, highlighting the enigmatic origins of the Romans and how the first seeds of this vast empire were sown."I sing of arms and the man" wrote Vergil at the start of the Aeneid, one of Rome's most iconic origin stories as it explores the tumultuous journey of Aeneas from Trojan prince to Roman hero. But did Aeneas actually flee from Troy? How did this story affect the Romans' perspective of themselves? And did they believe it? In Rome Before Rome, Philip Matyszak explores the myths and legends, heroes and villains that shaped the Roman sense of self.There are few books which explain how these different legends fit into Rome's overall narrative—and none which explore the range of myths Matyszak describes. Some of the legends are well known, from Romulus and Remus to the Rape of the Sabines; others are more obscure, suchas the story of the Latin king Picus, who was turned into a woodpecker. Whether renowned or unfamiliar, all are significant in their own way and have had a profound impact on centuries of Romans. Even today these myths continue to reverberate throughout western culture in films, TV shows, and plays. Matyszak dissects these myths, investigating the historical texts of Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Plutarch, and Livy as well as Vergil's epic poem the Aeneid and Ovid's Metamorphoses. Rome Before Rome continually reveals the ways in which Rome's mythological past may not be as illustrious as traditionally chronicled.
Philip Matyszak Book order
Philip Matyszak is a British non-fiction author, primarily focused on historical works concerning ancient Rome. His expertise lies in exploring Roman history, which he applies to his engaging publications. Through his writing, he makes the fascinating world of ancient Rome accessible to readers, offering deep insights into its culture and society. His works are valued for their factual accuracy and readability.



![Gladiator: The Roman Fighter's [Unofficial] Manual](https://rezised-images.knhbt.cz/1920x1920/0.jpg)



- 2025
- 2025
24 Stunden unterwegs im alten Rom
Der faszinierende Alltag im Jahr 137 n. Chr.
Spätsommer 137 n. Chr. – das Römische Reich ist auf dem Höhepunkt seiner Macht und Blüte. Die Hauptstadt Rom ist der Nabel der Welt, ein prosperierender Hotspot, der Menschen aus allen Teilen des Imperiums anzieht. Doch wie gestaltet sich ihr Alltag? Welche Sorgen, welche Ängste, welche Hoffnungen und Wünsche treiben sie um? Dieses Buch führt uns 24 Stunden lang an der Seite von 24 Bewohnern durch das antike Rom. Vom Sklaven bis zum Senator, von der vestalischen Jungfrau bis zur Prostituierten, von der Wäscherin bis zum Gladiator – 24 Biografien, wie sie unterschiedlicher nicht sein könnten, zeichnen ein faszinierendes und fesselndes Bild des pulsierenden Lebens der »ewigen Stadt« am Tiber unter Kaiser Hadrian. So muss Geschichte! Rom, Spätsommer 137 n. Chr. 24 Stunden an der Seite von 24 höchst unterschiedlichen Bewohnern: Sklave, Senator, vestalische Jungfrau, Prostituierte, Wäscherin, Gladiator ... Ein erstaunliches und fesselndes Bild des pulsierenden Lebens der »ewigen Stadt« unter Kaiser Hadrian »Also gut. Mal abgesehen von der Medizin, den sanitären Einrichtungen, dem Schulwesen, Wein, der öffentlichen Ordnung, der Bewässerung, Straßen, der Wasseraufbereitung und der allgemeinen Krankenkassen, was, frage ich euch, haben die Römer je für uns getan?« »Den Frieden gebracht.« – »Aach, Frieden? Halt die Klappe!« Aus »Das Leben des Brian« Ausstattung: SW-Illustrationen
- 2025
Focusing on the life of Petilius Cerealis, this biography explores the journey of a notable Imperial Roman officer whose career is well-documented. His life is marked by significant events and vibrant experiences, providing insight into the complexities of Roman military and political life. The narrative captures the essence of his contributions and the historical context in which he operated, making it a compelling read for those interested in Roman history and leadership.
- 2024
Ztracená města starověkého světa
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Objevte příběhy dávných měst, která zmizela pod mořem nebo se ztratila v prachu času. Jaké byly osudy, vzestupy a pády starověkých měst, na které historie zapomněla? Přečtěte si o dávných městech a sídlech potopených pod hladinou moře, zničených vojsky nájezdníků přírodními pohromami či záhadně zaniklých a zavátých písky času.
- 2024
Step back in time and take a walk through the sites and structures of this ancient city that reveal its fascinating history.
- 2023
Bestselling author Philip Matyszak explores how the Greeks and Romans used magic, who performed it - and why. Magic was everywhere in the ancient world. The supernatural abounded, turning flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Magic packed a cloud of water vapour with energy enough to destroy a house with one well-aimed thunderbolt. It was everyday magic, but it was still magical. Philip Matyszak takes readers into that world. He shows us how to make a love potion or cast a curse, how to talk to the dead and how to identify and protect oneself from evil spirits. He takes us to a world where gods, like humans, were creatures of space and time; where people could not just talk to spirits and deities, but could even themselves become divine; and where divine beings could fall from - or be promoted to - full godhood. Ancient Magic offers us a new way of understanding the role of magic, looking at its history in all of its classical forms. Drawing on a wide array of sources, from Greek dramas to curse tablets, lavishly illustrated throughout, and packed with information, surprises, lore and learning, this book offers an engaging and accessible way into the supernatural for all.
- 2023
A History of Ancient Rome in 100 Lives
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
One hundred vivid portraits of real-life characters bring to life the highs and lows of Rome’s dramatic history. A vibrant portrait of a lost world, A History of Ancient Rome in 100 Lives reveals the mightiest civilization of antiquity through the eyes of one hundred of its citizens. The book gives a voice not just to Rome’s most famous generals and rulers, such as Caesar and Caligula, but also to its builders, sculptors, poets, historians, gladiators, shepherds, enslaved people, and courtesans. The book begins with Faustulus, the fosterfather of Romulus and Remus, and closes with the final emperor, Romulus Augustulus. The stories of Roman women are given their due as well―from Servilia, Caesar’s lover; to Agrippina, the murderous wife of Claudius; Amazonia, the sword-swinging gladiator; and Hypatia, philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician. Exploring every level of society and using the latest archaeological evidence as well as ancient texts, the authors build up a picture of what it meant to live in Ancient Rome. 20 illustrations
- 2023
The epic story of Athens' doomed expedition, retold in light of latest research.
- 2023
A fascinating tour of cities that have been lost to history--from the Neolithic period to the late Roman Empire--that offers a fresh perspective on the roots of urban life.




