In AD 378 the Roman Empire had been the unrivalled superpower of Europe for well over four hundred years. And yet, August that year saw a small group of German-speaking asylum-seekers rout a vast Imperial army at Hadrianople, killing the Emperor and establishing themselves on Roman territory. Within a hundred years the last Emperor of the Western Empire had been deposed. What had gone wrong?

In this ground breaking book, Peter Heather proproses a stunning new solution to one of the greatest mysteries of history. Mixing authoratative analysis with thrilling narrative, he brings fresh insight into the panorama of the empire's end, from the bejewelled splendour of the imperial court to the dripping forests of "Barbaricum". He examines the extraordinary success story that was the Roman Empire and uses a new understanding of its continued strength and enduring limitations to show how Europe's barbarians, transformed by centuries of contact with Rome, eventually pulled it apart.

'a colourful and enthralling narrative . . .an account full of keen wit and an infectious relish for the period.' Independent On Sunday

'provides the reader with drama and lurid colour as well as analysis . . . succeeds triumphantly.' Sunday Times

'a fascinating story, full of ups and downs and memorable characters' Spectator

'bursting with action . . .one can recommend to anyone, whether specialist or interested amateur.' History Today

'a rare combination of scholarship and flair for narrative' Tom Holland

A rare combination of scholarship and flair for narrative. With this book, a powerful searchlight has been shone upon the shadow-dimmed end of Rome's western empire' - Tom Holland a brilliant mixture of rapid flowing narrative and deeply thought analysis - Paul Cartledge

About the Author
Peter Heather was born in Northern Ireland in 1960 and educated at Maidstone Grammar School and New College, Oxford. He has taught at University College, London, and Yale University, and is currently a Fellow of Medieval History at Worcester College, Oxford.

Reviews
"'a colourful and enthralling narrative...an account full of keen wit and an infectious relish for the period.' Independent On Sunday 'provides the reader with drama and lurid colour as well as analysis... succeeds triumphantly.' Sunday Times 'a fascinating story, full of ups and downs and memorable characters' Spectator 'bursting with action...one can recommend to anyone, whether specialist or interested amateur.' History Today 'a rare combination of scholarship and flair for narrative' Tom Holland"



Book Information
ISBN 9780330491365
Author Peter Heather
Format Paperback
Page Count 592
Imprint Pan Books
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 129mm * 39mm