This engrossing and original book looks at the growth and eventual demise of Rome from the viewpoint of the peoples who fought against it.

Here is the reality behind legends such as Spartacus the gladiator, and the stories of Shapur the conqueror,Viriathus the guerrilla leader and Mithridates the connoisseur of poisons. Some enemies of Rome were noble heroes, others were murdering villains: each has a unique and fascinating story.