Return to the exciting world of the far-off past in Ancient Rome. Meet Spartacus, the gladiator slave who led the largest slave revolt in the history of the Roman empire. Tour the Pantheon, a temple dedicated to the gods and one of the greatest surviving masterpieces of Roman building. Watch the thunderous chariot races at the Circus Maximus and lions, leopards, elephants, crocodiles, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses-even ostriches-fight to warm up the crowds at the Colosseum for a grand finale gladiator battle. Illustrated with artifacts, maps, and photographs and with original art by Peter Connolly, the acclaimed master of recreating the ancient world, Ancient Rome brings to life in all its glory one of the most extraordinary civilizations the world has ever known.