This is a boxed set of two encyclopedias: a chronicle of political and military history and a guide to art, architecture and everyday life, in more than 920 photographs. These are two highly accessible books chronicling the rise and fall of ancient Rome, how the people lived, and the classical places and buildings of the Roman world. It is an illustrated military and political history of the world's greatest empire: its leaders and generals, wars and campaigns. It presents painting and sculpture, architecture and art, family, government and the gods of ancient Rome, including reconstructions of the Colosseum, the Pantheon and other World Heritage buildings. It is beautifully illustrated with over 920 photographs, illustrations, maps, battle plans and diagrams that bring military campaigns to life and show the iconic range of ancient Rome's fine and applied art and architecture. For six centuries Rome ruled almost the whole known world. These two books chronicle the fascinating story of one of the greatest historical periods.The ''Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome'' examines the warfare, government, conquests and leadership of ancient Rome, which initially promoted the ideal of a universal empire but ultimately crumbled through over-ambition. ''Life in Ancient Rome: People and Places'' shows how people lived and worked during one of the cultural peaks of world history, and explores daily life and the architectural achievements of ancient Rome. With their wealth of pictures and authoritative, enthusiastic text, these books are perfect for libraries and study projects, and also for anyone who is interested in this remarkable period of ancient history.