Roman Lives, Corrected Edition

Roman Lives is a sourcebook that explores life in all strata of ancient Roman society by examining epitaphs and other inscriptions in Latin as well as in translation. For Roman civilization, epigraphy, or Roman culture courses.

Reviews:

"It is humbling to encounter 'real' Latin, in letters inscribed on a building or tombstone, and to be utterly at a loss beyond the obvious. Yet, as Roman Lives demonstrates . . . much of this material can be relatively easy to decode. Furthermore, this book shows how epigraphy can open a window onto ancient lives and their humanity.
   "This book should thus prove a rich resource for teachers of Latin and Roman civilization."
      —The Classical Outlook

"The purpose of this sourcebook is to provide the uninitiated reader with a selection of tomb epitaphs, statue bases, building inscriptions and ancient graffiti that reflect the diversity of Roman society during the first two centuries A.D. To this end, [Roman Lives] is a useful contribution, both to introducing a wider readership to the relevance of Latin inscriptions to studies of cultural relations in early imperial Rome and to the ancient epigraphic environment more broadly.
   "Also welcome are Harvey's translations of the selected inscriptions. His reading of the Latin is consistent, literal and transparent."
      —Bryn Mawr Classical Review

About the Author:

Brian K. Harvey (Ph.D. University of Michigan) is an Assistant Professor of Classics at Kent State University.