Rubicon

The Rubicon River, a now inconsequential river in northern Italy near the Apennines, was once part of a decision that would change the scheme of the world. Julius Caesar. A name that, for many, emanates tyranny, oppression, and pretentiousness. Many don't know that Caesar was being strangled into a position of destitution and subjection.

Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic, tells the late history of the Roman Republic. Author Tom Holland asks,"What parallels might be drawn between the present-day United States and the Roman Republic before Julius Caesar took over?", at the end of the prologue.

The history of the Republic is told more like a drama than a history book. This is most likely because the history of Rome is a drama. The history of the United States will most likely also be a drama, yet hope-filled story.

Holland meticulously pieces together an expertly crafted almost novel-like history of one of the most powerful and massive empires in history. Even a person with a hatred of history comparable to a slug hating salt would be able to enjoy Rubicon.

pgs. 432.