Member Reviews

An excellent survey of the Third Century Crisis under the Roman Empire. Pearson draws upon a wide range of legitimate sources to back up his observations, making this an important addition to current historical scholarship on the Crisis. As many have observed, Pearson writes in an accessible way alongside the academic referencing that he includes throughout, thereby increasing his potential readership.

Was this review helpful?

A really fantastic and intriguing take on the Roman Empire that is clearly well informed, researched and exceptionally delivered. Perfect for history buffs and would make a fantastic companion for study

Was this review helpful?

This is an excellent telling of a period of the Roman Empire on which there has been little research and Pearson does it full justice. The author writes confidently and in such a way that this book is very accessible for the interested layperson. For students it provides an excellent source of reference for the structure, organisation and control of this vast Empire in the second century. Pearson uses many sources to back up his opinions- all well referenced and with excellent footnotes which add flesh to the bones of the narrative. The narrative flows easily and was fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. My grateful thanks go to Netgalley, Pen & Sword publishers and the author Paul N Pearson for an advanced copy of The Roman Empire in Crisis 248-260

Was this review helpful?

Lovers of history will love this book on the development of Rome, the different ways that built Rome and Rome was made off amd her decline as well
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to anyone looking for their next read

Was this review helpful?

This is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in Roman history. It is clear snd compelling as it surveys a wide variety of sources to bring to life a particularly dangerous decade in Rome’s heretofore smooth sailing on the global scene.

Was this review helpful?

In the year 248 CE Rome was already 1000 years old! The fact of this is often overlooked when looking at the history of this empire. The question arrises what could have brought this empire to a downturn, There are multiple causes and one often discussed is the neglect of the Romans to keep the Ostrogoths paid for their protection of the northern boundary and the simple fact it was a bribe to make sure they didnt invade. Also the Christians were making headway in their religious infiltration of the Empire. What made this book very interesting for me was the interesting detail about the whole cultural puzzle of religion and tribal custom. The Gods of Rome are discussed and how they were looked upon by the average Roman at this time. Every empire disolves someday as we see even now. Romes turbulent period from 248 -260 shows how this crises was turned into a bridge over troubled times and the future of Rome continued.Very interesting and readable with lots to draw the curious and historian both. I never knew this time period was even significant but after reading this I understand more about Europe and the Middle East too. Excellent.

Was this review helpful?

I was only "meh" about this book. I don't know why because the subject matter was quite interesting. Maybe it was my own mood or something. I don't know.

Was this review helpful?

Drawing on new source material, this books offers deep insights into the period and presents new theories for readers to ponder. The writing style will appeal to many readers as it is so easy to read that I found myself forgetting, at times, that it is not a novel. Really great to see this type of information presented in such an accessible way.

Was this review helpful?

Pandemic, insurrections, invasions, economic down turns, supply chain issues, religious strife - is it the 2020's? No, its the Roman Empire in the mid-3rd century when they were hit on all sides by all sorts of problems.

People tend to blame fiddle-playing, grape-eating emperors for the fall of the empire, but Pearson shows here there were plenty of other factors that lead Rome from greatness to ruin.

A fascinating macro military history of the Roman Empire as it leaves its glory days in the past.

Was this review helpful?