This exceptionally well-illustrated text explores Roman art in the traditional historical manner -- with a focus on painting, sculpture, architecture, and minor arts. It assumes no prior acquaintance with the classical world, and explains the necessary linguistic, historical, religious, and political background needed to fully understand Roman art. In-depth information, historical photographs, drawings, engravings, and illustrations of architectural monuments, sculptures, paintings and decorative arts in all areas. Chronological presentation of material features: the Villanovan and Etruscan Forerunners 1000-200 BC.; the Roman Republic 200-27 BC; Augustus and the Imperial Idea 27 BC-AD 14; The Julio-Claudians AD 14-68; The Flavians: Savior to Despot AD 69-98; Trajan, Optimus Princeps AD 98-117; Hadrian and the Classical Revival AD 117-138; The Antonines AD 138-198; The Severans AD 193-235; The Soldier Emperors AD 235-284 AD; The Tetrarchs AD 284-312; Constantine AD 307-337 and the Aftermath.