A very enjoyable read covering the early years of Rome and Roman civilisation. A look into the “history”, myth and legends.

Engaging and amusing and very readable. It is interesting to see how Rome came to be and how they saw their legends and history. You can’t take it at face value, but for every story surely there is an element of truth. Sure it is embellished in the telling of the tales and refined to be the myth handed down to us.

An interesting facet in the legends is how rape is the key point or trigger in three vital aspects of Roman legend. The rape of Romulus & Remus mother which gives us the founding myth of Rome. Secondly the Rape of the Sabines which caused the growth of Rome and kickstarted the expansion and development. Finally the Rape of Lucretia which caused the emergence of the Republic and brought down Tarquin Superbus, thankfully rape was seen as abhorrent then too given how the violence and uproar then ensued.

All in all I quite enjoyed this book, it is very accessible and from an author who’s work I quite enjoy. It is a book I will return to, and one that can lead on to other books for more depth. Highly recommended.