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Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age Hardcover – September 26, 2023

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 545 ratings

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From a “remarkably gifted historian” (New York Times), the definitive account of the golden age of Rome -- an ultimate superpower at the pinnacle of its greatness

The Pax Romana has long been shorthand for the empire’s golden age. Stretching from Caledonia to Arabia, Rome ruled over a quarter of the world’s population. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state in the history of humankind.  

Pax is a captivating narrative history of Rome at the height of its power. From the gilded capital to realms beyond the frontier, historian Tom Holland shows ancient Rome in all its glory: Nero’s downfall, the destruction of Jerusalem and Pompeii, the building of the Colosseum and Hadrian’s Wall, the conquests of Trajan. Vividly sketching the lives of Romans both ordinary and spectacular, from slaves to emperors, Holland shows that Roman peace was the fruit of unprecedented military violence. 

A stunning portrait of Rome’s glory days, this is
the epic history of the Pax Romana. 
Read more Read less

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A lively survey of Roman warfare and foreign affairs at the height of the empire…[a] sure-footed, tight-wound historical narrative, enlivened with keen insights. [Holland] has a talent for making readers at home in the ancient world, even if they are first time visitors….More so than many who write about Rome, Mr. Holland has a droll wit….The span of conflicts Mr. Holland deals with in ‘Pax’ from Britain to modern Iran, showcases the breadth of his learning.”―Wall Street Journal

“Holland has an eye for an evocative anecdote. The chapter opening with the pen*s of a 90-year-old man being inspected in a court of law is a masterpiece. And his prose is superb. In one poetic passage he describes ‘smoke drifting from the roofs of tenant farms; vineyards and orchards laden down with succulent fruit; herds of cattle lowing softly in the deepening twilight’. Rarely has the distant past seemed so vividly alive”―
Financial Times

"A lucid account... Holland’s feel for the lived experience of antiquity is one of the best features of the book."―
New York Times Book Review

“Holland’s superb storytelling takes us right into this era as viewed from every standpoint (including our own), offering fresh and vivid insights into well-worn history.”―
Guardian

“[Holland's] books are beautifully written and great narrative history.”―
TheAtlantic.com

“Tom Holland’s masterful and engaging history of the Pax Romana.”―
Aspects of History

Pax is a captivating narrative history of Rome at the height of its power…historian Tom Holland shows ancient Rome in all its glory.”―The Daily Kos

“A sweeping, colorful history of Rome at its swaggering, superpower zenith by
The Rest is History podcaster and bestselling author. Hail Caesar! Hail Tom Holland!”―The Times (UK)

“A masterful blend of subtle politics and carnal colour…
Pax provides a deeper and more complex vista on Rome.”―The Telegraph (UK)

"For all the years that have separated the publication of each book in his trilogy, Holland is a surprisingly consistent writer, one whose style you could recognise at a glance. There may be less back-stabbing and court intrigue in this book than in
Rubicon and Dynasty; but in allowing us to tread the further reaches of empire through the eyes of the men holding the reins, Pax provides a deeper and more complex vista on Rome"―The Sunday Telegraph (UK)

“Let the sensitive beware: this is a book that judges everything about Rome by the standards of the Romans themselves.  The author is a master of immediacy: not for him the fashion of deploring ancient virtues as modern vices.”―
The Spectator (UK)

"This is not an underexamined period of history, but Holland handles his material (his sources are primarily Roman: Pliny, Tacitus, Suetonius, Cassius Dio) with rigour and elan. He has a compelling narrative style and an eye for diverting detail. This is a book for lovers of traditional, grand sweep narrative history"―
The Sunday Times (UK)

"Holland, who co-hosts the podcast 
The Rest Is History, is at his best when having fun with Rome’s bloody history. He has a novelist’s vibrant writing style and turns a good phrase. Familiar elements of this period, such as the destruction of Pompeii, still feel fresh in his retelling and he avoids the temptation of so many joyless modern classicists to moralise about what rotters these Romans were with their slavery and their bloodshed and their lack of a proper safeguarding mission statement. He judges them purely by their own values"―The Times (UK)

"[A] vivid account."―
Kirkus

“[A] meticulous narrative…Roman history buffs will want to take a look.”―
Publishers Weekly

“Tom Holland has written a magnificent, richly detailed and always fluently readable book.  He modulates the pace of his narrative excellently and I have read nothing which gives such a detailed and compelling account of the political and administrative life of the provinces and their relations with the imperial government.  A better history for the general reader could not have been written."―
Literary Review

“A work of narrative history, which Holland, with point and wit, brings off brilliantly.”
 ―
Claremont Review of Books

“The definitive history of Rome’s golden age…PAX is a captivating narrative history of Rome at the height of its power…A stunning portrait of Rome’s glory days.”―
Englewood Review of Books

“Magnificent.”―
Peter Frankopan, author of The Earth Transformed

“In this marvelous book, Tom Holland shows us the Roman empire at its height, in all its splendor and squalor, sophistication and superstition, majesty and cruelty. Ranging far and looking deep, he tells us about emperors and subjects, about a world that is at the same time both familiar and very alien. Highly recommended.”―
Adrian Goldsworthy, author of Philip and Alexander

About the Author

Tom Holland is an award-winning historian of the ancient world, a translator of Greek and Roman classical texts, and a documentary writer. He is the author of six other books, including Rubicon, Persian Fire, and Dominion. He contributes regularly to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. He co-presents the podcast The Rest Is History. He lives in London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books (September 26, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0465093531
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0465093533
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.6 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.56 x 9.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 545 ratings

About the author

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Tom Holland
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Tom Holland is an award-winning historian, biographer and broadcaster. He is the author of Rubicon: The Triumph and the Tragedy of the Roman Republic, which won the Hessell-Tiltman Prize for History and was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize; Persian Fire his history of the Graeco-Persian wars, won the Anglo-Hellenic League’s Runciman Award in 2006; Millennium: The End of the World and the Forging of Christendom, a panoramic account of the two centuries on either side of the apocalyptic year 1000; In the Shadow of the Sword, which covers the collapse of Roman and Persian power in the Near East, and the emergence of Islam; and Dynasty, a portrait of Rome's first imperial dynasty.

He has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC. His translation of Herodotus was published in 2013 by Penguin Classics. His biography of Æthelstan, the first King of England, was published in 2016 under the Penguin Monarchs series, and his biography of Æthelflæd, England’s Forgotten Founder, was a Ladybird Expert Book published in 2019. In 2007, he was the winner of the Classical Association prize, awarded to ‘the individual who has done most to promote the study of the language, literature and civilisation of Ancient Greece and Rome’.

Holland is the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Making History. He has written and presented a number of TV documentaries, for the BBC and Channel 4, on subjects ranging from ISIS to dinosaurs.

He served two years as the Chair of the Society of Authors and is Chair of the British Library’s PLR Advisory Committee.

@holland_tom

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
545 global ratings
My regards to Tom Holland
5 Stars
My regards to Tom Holland
Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden AgeTom Holland took me by surprise. His writing style sets him apart from Adrian Goldsworthy, Anthony Everitt, Marc Morris, Dan Jones, Amanda Podany, Paul Rahe and others that I enjoy.I own two other Tom Holland books, Persian Fire and Rubicon that I bought on Amazon but have yet to read. I obtained Pax as a Kindle library loan, which means my Amazon review will most likely be set back into oblivion, so I will keep it brief.Pax flowed somewhat disjointedly but in a nice sort of way, I learned to really enjoy the writing style. I learned tidbits of history throughout, that were of great interest.After reading Pax, I am looking forward to reading Holland's other books, so from that perspective it sufficed very well.I would certainly recommend this book. I am very happy I took the time to read it, leaving me with lots of notes to breeze throughThank you Tom Holland, great book
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
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 "Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age" by Adrian Goldsworthy is a captivating exploration of one of history's most transformative periods—the Roman Empire's Golden Age. Goldsworthy's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring to life the complexities of Rome's quest for peace during this era.
The author skillfully navigates the political landscapes, military campaigns, and cultural nuances of Rome's Golden Age, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the empire. Goldsworthy's ability to weave together historical events, character sketches, and societal developments creates a vivid tapestry that immerses readers in the heart of ancient Rome.
"Pax" not only delves into the military conquests that marked this period but also examines the intricate efforts made by Rome to maintain peace within its borders. Goldsworthy sheds light on the diplomatic maneuvers, governance strategies, and societal dynamics that contributed to Rome's pursuit of stability.
One of the book's strengths lies in its accessibility; Goldsworthy expertly balances scholarly rigor with readability, making the complexities of Roman history accessible to a broad audience. Whether you are a seasoned historian or a casual reader, "Pax" offers a rich and engaging narrative that educates and entertains.
In summary, "Pax" is an illuminating journey through Rome's Golden Age, offering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between war and peace in one of history's most influential civilizations. Adrian Goldsworthy's expertise and storytelling prowess make this book a compelling and enlightening read for history enthusiasts. Highly recommended.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating Rome's Golden Age: A Compelling Journey
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
"Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age" by Adrian Goldsworthy is a captivating exploration of one of history's most transformative periods—the Roman Empire's Golden Age. Goldsworthy's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring to life the complexities of Rome's quest for peace during this era.
The author skillfully navigates the political landscapes, military campaigns, and cultural nuances of Rome's Golden Age, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the empire. Goldsworthy's ability to weave together historical events, character sketches, and societal developments creates a vivid tapestry that immerses readers in the heart of ancient Rome.
"Pax" not only delves into the military conquests that marked this period but also examines the intricate efforts made by Rome to maintain peace within its borders. Goldsworthy sheds light on the diplomatic maneuvers, governance strategies, and societal dynamics that contributed to Rome's pursuit of stability.
One of the book's strengths lies in its accessibility; Goldsworthy expertly balances scholarly rigor with readability, making the complexities of Roman history accessible to a broad audience. Whether you are a seasoned historian or a casual reader, "Pax" offers a rich and engaging narrative that educates and entertains.
In summary, "Pax" is an illuminating journey through Rome's Golden Age, offering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between war and peace in one of history's most influential civilizations. Adrian Goldsworthy's expertise and storytelling prowess make this book a compelling and enlightening read for history enthusiasts. Highly recommended.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
The text is fine and engaging but this map in the print edition swaps the locations of Upper and Lower Germany. Good maps help illuminate a book. This one contradicts the text. A harsh wrong note can ruin a symphony.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Topsy-turvy
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
The text is fine and engaging but this map in the print edition swaps the locations of Upper and Lower Germany. Good maps help illuminate a book. This one contradicts the text. A harsh wrong note can ruin a symphony.
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3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
Very well written, a pleasure to read. Facts and explanation of characters. Fascinating time in history. Now looking for more books by the author.
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2023
Tom Holland is chock full of interesting facts, factoids and accumulated anecdotes in this book, which benefits from the inclusion of “Dramatis Personae” and a Timeline too. Thanks too for many maps scattered throughout the text- except for the horror of his mislabeled Upper and Lower Germania that was completely confusing and contradictory to the text for 10 pages.

Thanks to a former reviewer for pointing this out, which I saw only afterwards sadly.

This is a good read for the initiate to Ancient Roman history, but Holland’s problem is that he can not write lucidly without extolling his self-infatuation with murdered syntax. Nevertheless, it is a useful addition to the burgeoning library of the Roman Empire’s story.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
As always - holland weaves a masterful story. Ends a bit too abruptly (leaves you wanting another 400 pages). Felt like his editor was asking him to wrap it up when he gets to Hadrian. I hope he has another 300 years in him.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
If you're like me, you tend to trust the three star reviews more than the others. Or not. I have read all of Holland's books. I have also read Josephus, Tactitus, Seutonius and who knows what else concerning this period. Personally, I have more or less given up on Holland as a serious historian, but a friend gave me this book for Xmas and, like I said, I do like this period of history.

Holland is smug and can be annoying. He loves the more titillating material and generally slants his writing towards that. He never strays far from common prejudices and assumptions. His book on Christianity is especially revealing of these proper English biases. The best thing I have ever seen him do was a documentary on the history of Islam. Very good. Maybe because it is a culture that is not his own he is better at being objective. Who knows. And even then, his need to put himself front and center is off putting.

As for this book. He says things where you think, a footnote, please? Where does this opinion come from? What basis do you have for it? His take on Josephus borders on antisemitic, pulling out all the old tropes. And his view of Titus is based almost soley on one small comment in Seutonius which Seutonius himself contradicts. It is just strange how much this guy revels in the tropes about Romans and their mores, repeating the slander that Roman writers so often employed as if it were historical fact.

That said, a fast, easy read pulled from a lot of sources. Superficial, but since so little is written about this period, sure. Why not.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
Great price, fast shipping

Top reviews from other countries

IonutP
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on the period between Nero's death and Hadrian's death.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2024
Excellent book.
James Dowling
3.0 out of 5 stars It’s ok
Reviewed in Australia on March 31, 2024
He is better on the podcast.
Simon
4.0 out of 5 stars Pax - Tom Holland
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2023
Well researched book but, to be honest, much prefered Dynasty.
4 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Top class
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 9, 2023
As ever with Holland's work, the main virtue of the book lies in Holland's appreciation of the fundamental differences between the Romans and we moderns in ways small and large, but his hypnotic ability to induce a sort of historical suspension of disbelief and place us in the cockpit of his chosen era remains unrivaled - and the key reason why his popular histories outsell so many joyless academic treatises that have lost sight of the bloody magic that makes the era so appealing. Holland also has a particular talent for stamping the nature of a man onto the reader, one I am pleased to report remains undimmed, to say nothing of his ability to ferret out details that change your view of figures entirely - not to go off topic, but in my view the single greatest example of this, occurring mainly in a prior book (Dynasty), was his coverage of Nero, who in Holland's telling is transformed from a sort of Animal House-style Roman Roy of a Caesar to a figure fully deserving the epithet 'Anti-Christ': a man bent on bending reality to his will, and attaining apotheosis through divine cruelties. While Pax lacks such a radical redefinition of an emperor's persona, I remain captivated by many of the imperial personas within, ranging from the brutally honest autocracy of Domitian to Otho's potent mixture of grasping hedonism and tragic virtue to Hadrian's drive to transform Rome into a Persian paradise (a walled garden). Overall, top class, up with Holland, dinosaurs and cricket, and here's to many more like it to come, hopefully with blatant abuse of the word "sacral". See you at Historical Love Island's second season.
26 people found this helpful
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P. Harvey
5.0 out of 5 stars heavy going but excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2023
I wanted to learn about Rome’s Golden Age and this book taught me. Normally, I’m a fast reader but the detail covered here meant I had to take things slowly, often returning to the text after a few days’ break. It was worth it. Tom Holland’s scholarship is to be applauded. He can write well too, so several sections were gripping and memorable.
3 people found this helpful
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