An excellent survey of the Third Century Crisis under the Roman Empire. Pearson draws upon a wide range of legitimate sources to back up his observations, making this an important addition to current historical scholarship on the Crisis. As many have observed, Pearson writes in an accessible way alongside the academic referencing that he includes throughout, thereby increasing his potential readership.

NetGalley, Mia Davies

A really fantastic and intriguing take on the Roman Empire that is clearly well informed, researched and exceptionally delivered. Perfect for history buffs and would make a fantastic companion for study.

NetGalley, Chelsea Harper

Simply stated, no personal, community, or academic library Roman History collection can be considered up to date without the inclusion of Paul N. Pearson's "The Roman Empire in Crisis, 248-260: When the Gods Abandoned Rome". A masterpiece of original scholarship, this informed and informative study is enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of plates, maps, a Prologue (Millennium), an Epilogue (Rome Abandons the Gods), a nineteen page listing of Cited Literature, thirty-nine pages of Notes, and a seventeen page Index.

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Midwest Book Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an excellent telling of a period of the Roman Empire on which there has been little research and Pearson does it full justice. The author writes confidently and in such a way that this book is very accessible for the interested layperson. For students it provides an excellent source of reference for the structure, organisation and control of this vast Empire in the second century. Pearson uses many sources to back up his opinions- all well referenced and with excellent footnotes which add flesh to the bones of the narrative. The narrative flows easily and was fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

NetGalley, Carol Elizabeth Keogh

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Lovers of history will love this book on the development of Rome, the different ways that built Rome and Rome was made off and her decline as well.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to anyone looking for their next read .

NetGalley, Dee A.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in Roman history. It is clear and compelling as it surveys a wide variety of sources to bring to life a particularly dangerous decade in Rome’s heretofore smooth sailing on the global scene.

NetGalley, George Schaeffer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In the year 248 CE Rome was already 1000 years old! The fact of this is often overlooked when looking at the history of this empire. The question arrises what could have brought this empire to a downturn, There are multiple causes and one often discussed is the neglect of the Romans to keep the Ostrogoths paid for their protection of the northern boundary and the simple fact it was a bribe to make sure they didnt invade. Also the Christians were making headway in their religious infiltration of the Empire. What made this book very interesting for me was the interesting detail about the whole cultural puzzle of religion and tribal custom. The Gods of Rome are discussed and how they were looked upon by the average Roman at this time. Every empire disolves someday as we see even now. Romes turbulent period from 248 -260 shows how this crises was turned into a bridge over troubled times and the future of Rome continued.Very interesting and readable with lots to draw the curious and historian both. I never knew this time period was even significant but after reading this I understand more about Europe and the Middle East too. Excellent.

NetGalley, Patrick Carmen

Drawing on new source material, this books offers deep insights into the period and presents new theories for readers to ponder. The writing style will appeal to many readers as it is so easy to read that I found myself forgetting, at times, that it is not a novel. Really great to see this type of information presented in such an accessible way.

NetGalley, Louise Gray

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Great book very interesting.
Never knew much about this time in history but this book was written in a way that help me learn.

NetGalley, Karen Bull

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Pandemic, insurrections, invasions, economic down turns, supply chain issues, religious strife - is it the 2020's? No, its the Roman Empire in the mid-3rd century when they were hit on all sides by all sorts of problems.

People tend to blame fiddle-playing, grape-eating emperors for the fall of the empire, but Pearson shows here there were plenty of other factors that lead Rome from greatness to ruin.

A fascinating macro military history of the Roman Empire as it leaves its glory days in the past.

NetGalley, Kara Race-Moore

This is an immensely readable narrative history that delivers on the author’s promise. The many difficulties that politics, nature and war could bring to the Empire are well explained and supported by good maps and images.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy