Michael Grant's narrative is lucid and colourful, lavishly illustrated with photographs and maps. He successfully provides an examination of a comparatively unexplored area and constructs the history of the empire.
Grant selects some of the most significant examples of painting, portraits, architecture, mosaic, jewellery and silverware. He provides a valuable insight into the functions of art in the Empire, focusing on frontier regions.
The Severans analyses the colourful decline of the Roman Empire during the reign of the Severans, the first non-Roman dynasty. With its beautifully selected plate section, maps and bibliography, this will appeal to student and general reader.