This volume explores the central period of the Roman Empire from Julius Caesar to Marcus Aurelius. Martin Goodman examines the Roman world from an unusual angle, focusing upon the perspective of its subject peoples and its fringe areas, rather than the Emperor's household, giving a balanced view of the Roman world in its entirety. The book outlines and discusses the major aspects of Roman rule and culture, as well as the marginal; the city state of Rome, politics, social and civic life and religion.