Another amazing volume in the Monuments of Civilization series from Italy, this one covers Rome and its empire from early Etruscan times to the fall of the Western empire to the Goths and their allies in the early 5th century. Apart from the scholarly and informative text, all praise is due to the amazing large-format photographs, in the familiar earth hues that are a common character of these volumes (no doubt reflecting the fact that most of the monuments are made of earthen bricks and rocks). The photographs are so encompassing (probably because they were taken on large format film) that it is almost like being there in person; indeed, it is doubtful that an actual itinerary would be capable of covering so much ground in such detail. This is a good accompaniment to a history of the period. ( )