Dozens of books have been written on the Roman Empire, most of them concentrating on the culture, law & society of Rome itself, overlooking that most essential component of empire, the provinces. This study takes us East of Roma into Macedonia, Asia, Syria, Egypt & Mesopotamia; West into Sardinia, Spain, Africa, Germany & Britain. Using archeological evidence, the author reveals that in the early years of Empire, Rome was somewhat flexible in its imposition of laws & customs, embracing a laissez-faire attitude toward many of the provinces & taking advantage of provincial economies that included villas & farms, mining & manufacturing, & flourishing trade routes connecting Rome to China & India. Final chapters address the civil wars & barbarian invasions that led to the Empire's ultimate breakdown, completing this original & innovative approach to a timeworn if complex subject. B&W illustrations.
