The history of the Roman Republic has been shrouded in myth, assailed by gaps in historical knowledge, and even immersed in political biases. But in this book, the author has succeeded in penetrating the mist, using both ancient and modern sources, as well as numismatic information and other illustrative materials and artforms. He narrates the history of ancient Romefrom its beginnings with the legendary seven kings of Rome, the founding and struggles of the Republic, the wars of conquests and civil wars, to the collapse of the Republic and the inception of the Roman Empire with Augustus. Peace is finally established, and the Augustan Renaissance and the Pax Romana followed, hinting at the course of Western civilization. One lesson is learned: Liberty and civic duties are too valuable to be forsaken for the material safety of "bread and circuses" because in the end citizens so partaking may end up with neither liberty nor safety.
Miguel A. Faria, Jr, MD, was born in Cuba. He escaped with his father from communist Cuba at age 13 and came to the United States after a three-month odyssey through several Caribbean islands. He grew up and was educated in Florida and South Carolina, where he completed his undergraduate studies, graduating magna cum laude in 1973. Dr Faria attended the Medical University of South Carolina (USA), receiving the Merck's Manual Award for scholastic achievement and earning his MD in 1977. He performed his neurosurgical residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), completing his training in 1983. He practiced neurosurgery in Macon, Georgia (USA). Presently, Dr Faria is Associate Editor-in-Chief of neuropsychiatry; history of medicine; and socioeconomics, politics, and world affairs for Surgical Neurology International (SNI), a peer-reviewed international journal for neurosurgeons and neuroscientists. He has written over 200 professional medical or public health articles and published several books.
