Hilarious, witty and full to the brim of absolutely fascinating information, this book is unlike any other I've read on ancient Rome, and I've read a LOT. There is so much I want to blurt out but don't want to spoil the fun for anyone.

We are taken on a wondrous journey by foot through Rome 2,000 years ago learning about emperors, wars, punishments, clothing, food, slaves, corruption (fire fighters wait to be bribed before putting out fires and no policing), how years and months are determined, politics, entertainment, occupations (any poisoner applicants?), family naming (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Divi Filius or having five Julias in one household), etc. Having visited Rome many times myself, it was easy to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes through the author's words but even if you haven't been there (go!) you will feel you are in the middle of the action.

The first part of the book introduces us to the founding of Rome including a helpful timeline, followed by The Republic years. I had no idea Rome had peace, no war, for only one year over a span of nearly 500 years. Then comes the Empire years where we learn about known and unknown emperors, how they looked and how they died. Be sure to read the author notes, too.

Have questions? This engaging book has answers plus answers questions you didn't know you had! It is not textbook-ish or encyclopedic whatsoever but written simply and so funny I giggled many times throughout.

Such a great book to read before going to Rome. Or read it if you are intrigued by ancient Rome. The writing style makes details easy to remember, as do illustrations and photographs. I regaled my mom with information all morning!

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book. Much appreciated.

A wonderful, slightly humorous book, that gives an explanation of how to survive in ancient Rome. This is history that brings a subject to life, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. The style of writing is not dry and tedious detail, but instead, a rich understanding of everyday life in Ancient Rome, with the history of Rome added. A great book, thank you to the publishers and netgalley for letting me have an advance reading copy.

I loved, loved, loved this book!! I was a big fan of the Terry Deary horrible histories series as a child, and enjoyed his series he's made for adults also, and have enjoyed this book equally as much. It's written in a similar way, very well researched and giving you information you wouldn't have learnt in school but in a very humorous way. I appreciated that it was broken down into lots of smaller sections which made it perfect for reading whilst commuting or cooking at home as your could easily pick it up and put it down as needed, but to be honest I enjoyed it so much I started it on a Saturday and finished it the same day; it was just too good to put down. I have already recommended this book to family and friends, and am hoping the author will make this into a series as I'd love to read another like this but set in another time/place like maybe Vikings or something no one else has really covered yet like the Babylonians. To sum up, just buy the book and read it people; you won't regret it!