1 / 7Roman Empire by Train with Alice Roberts: Ancient History
Ancient History: Roman Empire by Train with Alice Roberts is a travelogue and guide to the Roman Empire, following a journey through Italy, France and Spain. It connects visits to sites including Pompeii, Rome, Nîmes and Cartagena with discussion of Roman life, technology, law, politics, health and education.
At a glance
- Travels through Italy, France and Spain, including visits to well-known and less-visited Roman sites.
- Covers ordinary citizens as well as Roman technology, law, politics, health and education.
- Combines journey anecdotes and illustrations attributed to Alice Roberts with additional context from author Jim Nally.
Reference price: £22.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Links historical discussion to specific archaeological and historic sites across three countries.
- The subject matter spans everyday Roman life and the empire’s rise, expansion and collapse.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Bantam |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 28 May 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 256 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1911754238 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1911754237 |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 2.6 x 20.6 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 318 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Roman history presented alongside travel writing and site visits.
- Viewers of the related Channel 4 series who want further written context and illustrations.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a specialist academic reference rather than an accessible travelogue and historical guide.
- Readers looking for practical current train itineraries, as the supplied description focuses on historical sites and context.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
41% 41% - 4 stars
18% 18% - 3 stars
22% 22% - 2 stars
6% 6% - 1 star
13% 13%
Aggregate customer ratings are mixed, with a broad spread from one-star to five-star responses. This offers limited guidance on whether the travelogue’s blend of Roman history and journey narrative will suit an individual reader. No specific customer-reported strengths or concerns are available here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the book about?
It follows Alice Roberts’ journey through Italy, France and Spain while exploring Roman sites and the empire’s history and legacy.
Which topics does it cover?
The description highlights ordinary citizens, technology, law, politics, health and education, as well as the empire’s rise, expansion and collapse.
Does it add material beyond the television series?
The listing says Jim Nally draws on research from the series and Roberts’ journey, including illustrations and anecdotes, to provide additional depth and context.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 256 pages.
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