Ancient History

1682 Athenagoras Athens Early Church PAGANISM Cannibalism Marcus Aurelius Greek

Athenagoras was a 2nd-century early Church Father from Athens. While few of his writings still exist today, those that do were highly influential on other early philosophers such as Eusebius. In his book 'Embassy for the Christians', Athenagoras pleads to Marcus Aurelius that he and his son Commodus show mercy to Christians and stop their unjust discrimination. This book also directly denounced paganism and sought to prove to the Roman rulers that God was the one and only true God. He also discusses the horrors of cannibalism, the evils of Gladiator contests, and the use of drugs. His other works all seemed to stem from 'Embassy' – defenses of his views and Christian doctrines.

This 1682 Oxford edition of the works of Athenagoras was translated out of the Greek into Latin by Conrad Gessner. Printed in Greek and Latin on opposite pages.

Item number: #8415
Price: $550
ATHENAGORAS, of Athens
Tou en hagiois patros hemon… Read More

1622 1ed MARTIAL Epigrams Roman Poetry Natural History Xenia Apophoreta Douay

"I live in a little cell, with a window that won't even close,
In which Boreas himself would not want to live."
– Martial, Epigrams
Martial was a 1st-century Roman poet from Spain most-known for his 'Epigrams.' This important, early piece of Roman literature expresses details of life in Rome focusing in on the brutal daily life during the Roman Empire. Martial describes living conditions of Rome, corrupt physicians and senators, cruel treatment of slaves, and secrets and rumors of emperors. Because of the style of Martial's writing, he is often considered the first insult comic, as he used humor to disguise his disdain for the life with which he was so familiar.
This 1622 was published in Douay, France by Belleri. Collected and edited by Matthew Roeder. This particular volume includes Martial's "Xenia" and "Apophoreta" which is Martial's perspective on natural history.
Item number: #16016
Price: $550
MARTIALIS, Marcus… Read More

1636 1ed Ancient GAUL Celtic Gallic Antiquities Caen France DRUIDS Gosselin RARE
Antoine Gosselin's "History of Ancient Gaul" is a rare, 17th-century history of Celtic tribes, the Gallic wars, and the rise and growth of France. While working at the University of Caen in Normandy, Gosselin was one of the most reputable scholars in Gallic antiquity.
Item number: #16310
Price: $599
GOSSELIN, Antoine
Historia Gallorum veterum, auctore Antonio Gosselino ...
Cadomi : Apud P. Poisson, 1636. 1st edition

Details:

·
Collation: Complete with all pages
o
[32], 490, [54]
·
Language: Latin
·
Binding: Leather; tight and secure
·
Size: ~6.5in X 4.25in (16.5cm x 10.5cm)
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16310Photos available upon request.

1658 Alexander the Great Quintus Curtius Rufus Greece ROME Elzevier RARE

"Nothing can be lasting when reason does not rule."
― Quintus Curtius Rufus, Histories of Alexander the Great
This famous and important work by Quintus Curtius was inspired by the celebrated Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great and was written, more than likely, during the reign of Caligula in Rome. The style of Quintus Curtius's writing was directly in line with Livy, whose work on the people of Rome greatly influenced the writing of "Histories of Alexander the Great." Curtius describes the strange and mysterious things that Alexander the Great encounters on his military expedition and does so with great historical acumen. This book, along with Livy and Tacitus, should always be considered part of the canon of ancient world texts.
This rare 1658 printing was published by Elzevier in Lyon which included the notes of Matthaus Rader, Nicolaas Blanckaert, and Johann Freinsheim.
Item number: #16812
Price: $599
RUFUS, Quintus… Read More

1642 Juvenal & Persius Satires Stoic Philosophy Classical Rome Farnaby Latin

"Many commit the same crime with a very different result. One bears a cross for his crime; another a crown."
― Juvenal, The Satires
A rare printing of 'The Satires'
of Juvenal and Persius. This collection of satirical poetry was written in the late 1st and 2nd centuries and discuss society, social norms, irony, each of these providing insight to the morals and values of Roman life at the time. Juvenal outlines many of the concerns he has with Roman citizens including unfaithfulness and greed; issues he recognized as downfalls to society. Many of the satires include references to Greek and Roman mythology.
This 1642 Latin edition was edited and translated by Thomas Farnaby.
Item number: #18581
Price: $550
JUVENALIS, (Decimus Junius)
D. Ivnii Ivvenalis et Avli Persii Flacci Satyræ
Amsterodami : apud Ioannem Ianssonium, 1642.

Details:

· Collation: Complete with all pages
o
189, [1]
· Language: Latin
·… Read More

1632 1ed Ubbo Emmius Graecorum Respublicae GREECE Greek Government Elzevier Law
Ubbo Emmius was a 16th-century German historian known for his works on historiography. He published an impressive and thorough history of Greece entitled 'Vetus Graecia Illustrata'. The third volume of this work was the most desirable—it was published by itself in 1632 by Elzevier under the title 'Graecorum Respublicae' and was written as an essay on the forms of government in every commonwealth in Greece.
Item number: #18712
Price: $550
EMMIUS, Ubbo
Græcorum Respublicæ
Lugd. Batavorum: Ex officina Elzeviriana, 1632. First edition.

Details:
· Collation: Complete with all pages;
o 426, [6]
·
References: Willems 364; Rahir 345; Goldsmid II, 34
· Provenance: Bookplate – H. Paris, avocat
· Language: Latin
· Binding: Leather; tight and secure
· Size: ~4.25in X 2.25in (10.5cm x 6cm)
Our Guarantee:
Very Fast. Very Safe. Free Shipping Worldwide.
Customer satisfaction is our… Read More

1650 Claudian Classical Roman Poetry Mythology Gothic Wars Latin Elzevier 2v
"He who always desires is always poor."
– Claudian
Claudian was a 4th-century B.C. author who wrote poetry and speeches specifically for Roman Emperor Honorius on mythology and early Roman wars. His most famous works include 'De Bello Gothico' and 'In Rufinum' – Claudian's attack on Roman statesman Rufinus. These works, among others, are included in this 1650 Elzevier edition of the works of Claudian.
Item number: #18714
Price: $599
CLAUDIANUS, Claudius
Cl. Claudiani Quae exstant : Nic. Heinsius rec. ac notas addidit. Acced. quaedam hactenus non edita
Lugduni Batavorum : Ex officina Elzeviriana, 1650.

Details:
· Collation: Complete with all pages – 2 volumes
o
Vol. 1 – [24], 270
o
Vol. 2 – 276, [2]
· References: Willems 675
· Provenance: Armorial Bookplate – SERVARE MUNIA VITÆ
o
Likely Sir William Oglander, 3rd Baronet (c. 1680–1734) who married Elizabeth Strode, the daughter and… Read More

1644 LIVY History of Rome Gladiators Hannibal Punic Wars Elzevier Vellum RARE

"Men of outstanding ability are more likely to lack the power of controlling their own people than of defeating an enemy in battle."
― Livy, The History of Rome

Few works on the history of Rome are as important and impactful as Livy's 'Ab Urbe Condita' or 'Histories'. Livy began working on this work at the end of the 1st-century BC and covers the earliest times and the foundation of Rome through the reign of Caesar Augustus.

While any edition of Livy is desirable, this particular volume is from the 1644 Elzevier edition. Notable topics covered in the third volume include:
·
The spectacle of Roman gladiators
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The military delegations of Hannibal, Carthage conquests of Rome in the Punic Wars
·
Influence of Scipio Africanus during the Second Punic War
·
Pyrrhus, King of Epirus and the Battle of Argis

Item number: #20548
Price: $550
LIVY, Titus
T. Livii Patavini Historiarum ab vrbe… Read More

1686 Suetonius Twelve Caesars Julius Caesar Caligula Nero ROME Amsterdam Boxhorn

"Nothing is more unpredictable than the mob, nothing more obscure than public opinion, nothing more deceptive than the whole political system."
― Suetonius, 'The Twelve Caesars'

Suetonius was a 1st-century Roman historian who is most remembered by his important set of biographies of twelve successive Roman rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian. "The Lives of Twelve Caesars" or "De Vita Caesarum" is still considered one of the primary sources on Roman history and discusses important facets of the end of the Roman Republic.
"Twelve Caesars" covers the lives of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellus, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, and is the first work to offer insights to some of the lesser-known aspects of these important Roman figures – such as Julius Caesar's struggle with epilepsy. The extent of what is culturally known about Caligula comes almost exclusively from… Read More

1640 History of JUSTIN Pompeius Trogus Macedonia ROME Augustus Caesar Elzevier
Justin was a 2nd-century Roman historian, whose work was largely taken from that of Pompeius Trogus. Justin covered the history of Macedonia, focusing on the time of Augustus Caesar in Rome and the rise of the Macedonian Empire. This edition of Justin was collected and edited by Isaac Vossii.
Item number: #20656
Price: $550
JUSTIN
Justinus. Marcus Zuerius Boxhornius recensuit
Lugd. Batavorum: Ex officina Elzeviriana, 1640.
Details:

· Collation: Complete with all pages
o [12], 310; 36, [50]
o Engraved title page
· References: Willems 502
· Language: Latin
· Binding: Leather; tight and secure
o
Red Moroccan leather
· Size: ~5.25in X 3in (13cm x 7.5cm)
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Very Fast. Very Safe. Free Shipping Worldwide.
Customer satisfaction is our priority! Notify us with 7 days of receiving, and we will offer a full refund without reservation!

20656Photos available upon request.

1684 ROME History by Dutch Paulus Merula LAW Seneca Valerius Maximus LIVY Popes

Paulus Merula was a 16th-century Dutch historian best-known for his expositions on Rome. In 1684, many of his works were published in Lugdunum Batavorum by Meersche and Vivie who included his histories of Rome and the Roman church with emphasis on Roman priests, Roman law, politics and elections, with references to iconic Roman writers such as Valerius Maximus, Livy, and Seneca.

Item number: #22450
Price: $550

MERULA, Paulus

Pauli G.F.P.N. Merulæ J.C. dum viveret in Acad. Lugd. Batavor. historiarum professoris & D.D. ordinum Hollandiæ Frisiæque Borealis historiographi Opera varia posthuma

Leyden : Ex officina Petri a Meersche, 1684.

Details:
· Collation: Complete with all pages
o [28], 144, [6], 55, [7], 288, [6], 49, [5]
o Includes engraved title page and folding portrait
· Language: Latin
· Binding: Leather; tight and secure
· Size: ~8in X 6.5in (20.5cm x 16.5cm)
· Quite… Read More

1729 FOLIO San Lorenzo Basilica in Damaso ROME Cathedral 1527 Sack of Rome Bovio

Giovanni Bovio's "La Pieta Trionfante" is a rare, 18th-century history of cathedral churches in Rome that stemmed from the Basilica San Lorenzo Damaso. The cathedral, which was erected sometime around the turn of the 15th-century, has influenced numerous 'daughter' churches in Rome. Bovio dedicated this work to cardinal Pietro Ottoboni who played an important role for commissioning various aspects of the interior of the basilica and chapels.

This work, published in 1729, offers historical perspectives on the life of Saint Lawrence and Saint Damaso and the foundation of the original 5th-century cathedral, the damages and relics lost from famed Sack of Rome in 1527, and lives of bishops of the cathedral.

Item number: #22716
Price: $550

BOVI, Giovanni Battista

La pieta trionfante su le distrutte grandezze del gentilesimo nella magnifica fondazione dell'insigne basilica di S. Lorenzo in Damaso di Roma

In Roma: Appresso… Read More

1880 FAMED Edward Gibbon Roman Empire Decline & Fall of Caesar ROME Illustrated

"Lo, there appeared a truly classic work: a history not majestic like Livy, nor compressed like Tacitus; not stamped with character like Clarendon; perhaps not so deep as Robertson's 'Scotland,' but a thousand degrees above his 'Charles'."
– Allibone, on Gibbon's 'History'

Originally printed in 1776, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" was written in six volumes by Edward Gibbon. It has maintained its status as one of the most important literary achievements of the 18th-century and saw numerous editions. This book's popularity was partly due to it becoming the model used by modern historians and historical authors. This led to Gibbon being considered the first modern historian on the Roman Empire.

Important contents include:
· Gibbon's religious, or secular, views on the Quran and Mohammed
· The advancement of Christianity leading to the demise of Rome
· Christian… Read More

1757 Antiquity of Herculaneum Vesuvius Bayardi Pompeii Illustrated HUGE FOLIO
Ottavio Antonio Bayardi was an important 18th-century Italian scholar who composed a detailed list of artifacts found in the ancient city of Herculaneum. 'Prodromo dell Antichita d'Ercolano' or 'Catalogue of the Antiquities of Herculaneum', lists and illustrates coins, vases, heads and busts of satyrs, mythological figures, faunas, paintings, statues, and mosaics and frescoes. Following the rediscovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii after being buried in the ashes of Vesuvius, the European public became fascinated with the antiquities of these ancient cities. Bayardi delivered at the approval of Charles III of Spain.
This work was the first published by Stamperia and was the first official book dedicated to the study of Herculaneum. Charles III of Spain, (or Carlo VII, Kingdom of Two Sicilies) ordered the excavation of Herculaneum in 1738 and the Regale Stamperia was formed for the express purpose of publishing the discoveries… Read More

1760 Antiquity of Herculaneum Vesuvius Bayardi Pompeii Illustrated HUGE FOLIO

Ottavio Antonio Bayardi was an important 18th-century Italian scholar who composed a detailed list of artifacts found in the ancient city of Herculaneum. 'Prodromo dell Antichita d'Ercolano' or 'Catalogue of the Antiquities of Herculaneum', lists and illustrates coins, vases, heads and busts of satyrs, mythological figures, faunas, paintings, statues, and mosaics and frescoes. Following the rediscovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii after being buried in the ashes of Vesuvius, the European public became fascinated with the antiquities of these ancient cities. Bayardi delivered at the approval of Charles III of Spain.

This work was the first published by Stamperia and was the first official book dedicated to the study of Herculaneum. Charles III of Spain, (or Carlo VII, Kingdom of Two Sicilies) ordered the excavation of Herculaneum in 1738 and the Regale Stamperia was formed for the express purpose of publishing the… Read More