Karl-Joachim Hölkeskamp is an internationally renowned ancient historian. In this book he paints a picture of the continual performance at the heart of the Roman Empire. We see and understand the countless buildings and monuments – which all evoke the greatness, the heroes and the order of the Roman world – as a living, meaningful and effective backdrop against which gods, priests, politicians and ordinary people met, communicated and acted. We understand the significance of the well-choreographed triumphs and funerals, the public gatherings and ritual acts, as a justification of and testament to the everlasting power and dominance of Rome. This book is a key work for anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of the Roman Republic.

• A key text for understanding the Roman Republic

• An extremely clear account with concrete examples

• Circus - triumph - funeral

• Knowledge of the past spurs us on to new greatness