Robert Payne (1911-1983) was born in Saltash, county of Cornwall, England. His love for writing began when he reported the battle the battle of Changsha for the London Times. Payne was best known for his many critically acclaimed biographies. His subjects included Charlie Chaplin, Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky, Gandhi, Shakespeare, Alexander the Great, George G. Marshall and many more. He thoroughly researched his subjects met with several of them and often traveled to retrace their steps (Stony Brook 1997).

No book reviews were found on this book by Robert Payne.

Payne insists that Italy was a tough and unforgiving land yet often sought after for its beauty and inviting climate by neighboring civilizations. Italy had much to offer the inhabitants of nearby lands and tribes, it provided " . . . a temperate climate, good pasturage, ample timber, and a strategic position with eventual promise of raid of trade" (Payne 1970, 2).

This book of ancient Rome gives a complete history of the Roman Empire from beginning to end. As Rome developed the world benefited from its greatness and prosperity. Through specific examples of their times, Payne successfully explains the subject matter and thesis.

The Forum first described in the beginning of the book reappears often throughout. "The Forum served as a year-round center not only of oratory but every kind of daily commerce - buying and selling houses, produce, livestock, slaves, ships, cargoes" (Payne 125). As Rome grew, the importance and use of the Forums grew as well. The Forum was a commonplace to conduct business and social life while Rome was prospering.

Payne, having described pre-Roman history leads up the establishment of Rome. Romulus and Remus. The story of the two brothers is set by explaining the belief of the twins sent to death yet abandoned as small infants. Payne explains the myth insisting the importance that their story is history of the people. "In Romulus, the Romans found the symbol of an all-powerful king." As Romulu

Some common words found in the essay are:
Payne Payne, Romans Romulus, Roman Empire, Romulus Romans, Romulus Remus, Empire Intelligently, George Marshall, Robert Payne, Times Payne, Cornwall England, roman empire, robert payne, ancient rome, ancient roman, times payne, empire beginning, roman empire beginning, ancient roman empire, etruscan people, roman civilization,
Approximate Word count = 727
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)