Coinage and History of the Roman Empire (2 Volume Set)

This invaluable study in the fields of Roman history and numismatics includes hundreds of significant updates in chronology, historical perspective and numismatic attribution. The 550-year period covered here is divided into twelve epochs, most of which are prefaced with an overview of the period's social and historical developments. Especially close attention is paid to the most difficult periods, each of which is demystified with historical overviews, and in some cases with tables and family trees. Perhaps most helpful of all, however, is the treatment of Rome's final epoch (AD 364 to 480). When viewed as a single empire, this period not only is hopelessly confusing, but is fundamentally misunderstood. In this book, the post-Constantinian Empire is addressed as two separate empires in the East and the West. The individual fates of Rome and Constantinople are chronicled in a way that allows the reader to understand and enjoy this notoriously difficult period.