The Oxford Illustrated History of the Roman World (Oxford Illustrated Histories);

This authoritative and compelling work tells the story of the rise of Rome from its origins as a cluster of villages, to the foundation of the Roman Empire by Augustus, to its consolidation in the first two centuries AD. It also discusses aspects of the later Empire and its influence on western civilizations, not least the adoption of Christianity.
Chapters dealing with social and political history are interwoven with chapters on literature, philosophy, and the arts. Among the other topics addressed are Roman Emperors; Roman historians, such as Tacitus and Livy; and Stoicism and Skepticism. Throughout, the book's historical framework is reinforced by detailed maps and chronological charts, as well as by informative bibliographies and a full index. Moreover, the book includes exquisite color and black-and-white illustrations that lend beautifully to the narrative, making this rich work both a delight to peruse and an indispensable resource on the history of one of the greatest empires.