Ancient History

Hand-drawn maps and a new image selection illustrate the Folio Society edition of Persian Fire – the bloodthirsty clash of civilisations by the master of classical history, Tom Holland.

The definitive account of ancient Rome by acclaimed historian Mary Beard vividly depicts ordinary Roman lives and contains more than 45 full-colour images specially selected for the Folio edition of S.P.Q.R.

Gwyn Jones dispels the myths of an empire built on terror and tyranny, in The Vikings; now in its seventh Folio Society printing.

An engaging and comprehensive study of one of history’s most celebrated artefacts. This edition features a colour reproduction of the Tapestry, with a scene-by-scene commentary.

This fascinating history debunks the notion of a fallow 'Dark Ages' following the decline of Rome's political influence, revealing an eastern Mediterranean blossoming with theological and cultural innovation.

Carter's own thrilling testimony, with spectacular colour images by Sandro Vannini and the original photographs by Harry Burton.

A brilliant overview of prehistory by a 'towering influence' in archaeology.

In this award-winning history, Mary Beard guides us through the daily life of Pompeii, an existence that is far more complex than we might have realised. Lively, exciting and accessible, this book brings us as close as possible to the real Pompeii.

A treasure trove of archaeological wonder: C. W. Ceram’s infectiously enthusiastic volume is an enduring classic.

One of the most fascinating women in history, brilliantly re-examined in a stellar biography.

A gripping account of the twilight of the Roman Republic and its bloody transformation into empire; the story of Caesar's generation, thrillingly told.

The revelatory personal writings of a lady at the court of Empress Sadako, luxuriously illustrated with watercolour paintings.

This sparkling study of the ancient world pays tribute to Herodotus, whose Histories made him a forefather of the modern historian.

A captivating edition of the classic survey of the rise and spread of the Celts, with new colour photography.

A lavishly illustrated 20th anniversary edition of Guns, Germs and Steel – Jared Diamond’s Pulitzer Prize-winning exploration of how and why Eurasians developed the weapons, diseases and technologies that enabled them to dominate the rest of the world.

G. E. R. Lloyd traces the birth of science from Thales to Galen. A new foreword by Lewis Wolpert, Emeritus Professor at University College London, pays tribute to the Ancient Greeks and to Lloyd’s exploration of their fundamental role.

The gripping first-hand account of the turbulent history of Imperial Rome told through the lives of the Caesars, from Julius Caesar to Domitian, vividly translated and illustrated with wood-engraving portraits.

In this fascinating portrait of the fiery and brilliant preacher who changed the world, Vermes returns to the historical reality of Jesus and his Gospel to discover ‘the genuine message of the Galilean master’.

How to Die brings together the timeless wisdom on death and dying from the philosopher Seneca in one volume.

A fascinating history of the city of Rome seen through the eyes of its most significant sackings – from the Gauls to the Nazis and everything in between. Published by Atlantic Books.

The engrossing story of the contest between humans and the sea told by one of Britain’s pre-eminent historians. Published by Oxford University Press.