This textbook outlines the factors that every student must assess for a proper understanding of the period, from the attitudes of the aristocracy and the role of state religion to the function of political institutions.

This well-established textbook outlines the key factors that every student must assess for a proper understanding of the period of the Late Roman Republic - from the attitudes of the aristocracy and the role of state religion to the function of political institutions.

An essential book for the beginner, it also has much to offer the more advanced student. This updated second edition also contains an extended Introduction, a new section assessing recent scholarship, and an supplemented bibliography.

A book that should encourage young students to think for themselves, both about the main issues of the period and about the methodology of history.