The Roman Empire in 100 Haikus

The Roman Empire has been a source of fascination to political thinkers, the obsession of some of the greatest historians, and has influenced art down the ages. Now, in a fresh new take on the era, historian Stuart Laycock sums up the subject in 100 haikus. These original poems are sometimes witty, sometimes sad, sometimes playful, sometime serious, but with only a few syllables to play with they are always concise and to the point. Read them in order for a sense of the vast sweep of Roman history, or dot around and find hidden gems. Power, glory, death, slaughter, murder, ambition, lust, love and triumph. It's all here. Each haiku comes with a brief historical text to accompany it and an evocative original illustration by John Travis.

Stuart Laycock has a degree from Cambridge University. He has worked in advertising, marketing and TV. Stuart has authored or co-authored a number of history books in the UK, including All the Countries We've ever Invaded and the Few we Never Got Round To and Unexpected Britain. John Travis is an established author, his first book, Coal in Roman Britain, was based on his PhD thesis. He holds a Masters Degree and Doctorate in Roman Archaeology from the University of Liverpool. He is an archaeologist with over 30 years experience, and an Associate member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists (AIFA). Both Hilary and John are active re-enactors, as members of both the Chester Guard (Deva VV) Roman Society and the Thomas Stanley Retinue (Wars of the Roses Medieval group). He co-authored Roman Helmets; Roman Shields; Roman Body Armour; and Ancient Rome: A Colouring Book. Dr Miles Russell is a senior lecturer in archaeology in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Bournemouth University and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. His research and publications focus on the prehistoric and Roman periods and he is is currently involved in fieldwork across southern Britain. Miles is a regular contributor to television and radio.