An interesting and important read for any student of the modern world and future of America. Not only was America modeled upon the ancient Roman Republic, we seem doomed to repeat its failures into collapse. Perhaps we can learn the lessons of history and change course. ( )

It's rare and wonderful when I discover an author who can make my perception of the world change with the flick of a turning page. For one, I'll never think of Romans, Jews, and Americans in the same way again! Madden takes the past and lays it out in a comprehensible and highly engaging manner...almost tangible. He shows how the past provides insight into to current events that affect us all - like terrorism and the war in Iraq. It seems quite the du jour pass time to trash America ---Madden not only refrains he does quite the opposite. I felt enervated by his view of our country ... hopeful. ( )

The Roman Republic sought to avoid war and foreign conflict, but tht impossible (after the sack of Rome by the Gauls in 390 B.C.) and so contructed an Empire of Trust (compared to one of Conquest (e.g. Mongols) or Trade (e.g. Britain). An alliance with Rome was sought by all states facing threats, since Rome's Republican government ensuurd fair and honorable treatment of allies (and defeated enemies). Most controversially, the author see America's growth as a world power as the near mirror image of that of the early Roman Republic. ( )