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.
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.
Step back in time and take a walk through the sites and structures of this ancient city that reveal its fascinating history.
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.
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
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.
Julius Caesar in Egypt is a true story of double-cross, assassination and intrigue accompanied by lively battles, daring escapes, disastrous fires (the Great Library of Alexandria was largely destroyed in one fracas) and, if not a love story, at least a tale of sex and power as Caesar and Cleopatra's relationship shaped these world-changing events.
Narrates a war that seriously threatened the destruction of Rome.
Who were the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome? What did they mean to the people who worshiped them? Although their time of widespread worship has long passed, the Greek and Roman gods have fascinated and inspired writers and artists for millennia. From Aphrodite to Apollo, Poseidon to Zeus, these are some of the most recognizable characters in Western culture, yet there is a much richer past behind famous paintings of the birth of Aphrodite or the bold iconography of Zeus and his thunderbolts.The Greek and Roman gods are enthralling characters in the enduringly powerful Iliad, Odyssey and Metamorphoses. They are immortal and powerful yet also vain, vindictive and vulnerable. Moreover, as manifestations of death, fertility, love and war, the gods are also our key to understanding how the Greeks and Romans saw their world. Philip Matyszak presents this pantheon in all their complexity, guiding us from Mount Olympus to the depths of Hades. Each chapter focuses on an individual god or goddess, beginning with their 'biography' as understood by the Greeks and Romans and exploring the origins of the legends. Matyszak mixes history with vivid retellings of the myths in which the gods have a starring role, from stories of cosmic creation and universal war to disastrous weddings and freak discus accidents. This sumptuously illustrated guide to the gods of Greece and Rome is a must-have for anyone interested in mythology and classical civilization
Spend a year in the company of the ancient Greeks, during an historic and triumphant Olympic year, and experience the drama and excitement that swept through the city-states as they put aside their political differences to prepare for victory in Olympia.
Set in 101 BC, the story unfolds as Rome faces annihilation from the advancing Cimbri barbarian horde. The last hope lies in a disorganized army of former prisoners, veterans, and inexperienced youth, led by a commander who possesses a crucial asset: Lucius Panderius, a skilled spy and counter-intelligence officer. As Lucius navigates a deadly conspiracy, he must uncover a murderer and a traitor before confronting the barbarian threat. This installment combines thrilling action with thorough historical detail, continuing Lucius's adventures from previous novels.