This book clarifies several issues like the fact that the Servian Wall isn't from Servius Tulius age at all, but in fact a 4th century wall. Initially Rome's defenses weren't particularly impressive (the wars were waged far from the metropolis); great improvements were done in the IIIrd century by Aurelianus, significantly heightening the wall and towers. The Aurelian Wall was repaired and improved by Maxentius afterwards. Additionally, with the advent of cannon, the huge walls of Rome didn't offered the former protection (the taller they were, the faster they fell), so forts were constructed with the technic of the "trace itallienne".



This book is a good technical overview of the walls of Rome and it is highly recommended. It also delves in the history of the Visigoth and Vandal attacks, and naturally of the epic defense of the city by Belisarius.



Good illustrations and photographs like osprey usually offers.

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