Are We Rome?: The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America

Fairly interesting, though I had to keep pushing myself to finish it. Subtitle is completely misleading. Should be called "How Rome Didn't Fall and A Few Useful Bits We Can Learn From Them." Interesting to history buffs, not so interesting to Michael Moore fans, I would think. At times, reads like a master's thesis, with index card upon index card factoids piled up. If Rome is your thing, you'll know all this stuff already. But for the rest of us, it's informative and does dispel the myth that "we" are Rome. The full story is a more complex (hence the hail of index cards), but could be (and possibly was) condensed into a magazine article. The final chapter is worth reading, since some definite conclusions are finally drawn, some show more opinions voiced, some meat on the table. show less

America's top parlor game, is America mimicking the Roman Empire in its rise and fall? And we in the decline? The author makes many good points but you can take heart in his final conclusion. Despite corruption, slavery, military dominance, and inequities of all types, Romans were ultimately fatalistic in their role. Americans, in contrast, despite similar inequities, corruption, and isolationism, have always looked to the future with hope and expectation. As the author makes clear, there is no room for complacency. Excellent analysis and insight touching on many relevant issues you won't even have considered in contemplating the issue.

A brief but engaging look at a number of comparisons between ancient Rome (more specifically, the Roman Empire) and the modern U.S. Cullen examines not only the obvious and common relationships (military power), but a number of less commonly observed connections (such as privatization of government functions, border and immigration issues, the seats of power themselves). It provokes some interesting thought, and provides insight on some aspects of both civilizations with which some people will be surprised. Cullen also has a gift for clever turns of phrase. The book is excellent for the casual reader.

In the introductory chapter, Murphy pretty much says the book title is a pointless question that he won't answer but goes on to write a very interesting and insightful compare and contrast about the Roman Empire and Modern America and the history of both that is a thoroughly entertaining read. It was full of facts but not overloaded and has a light enough touch to not feel like a dry history lecture. He clearly knows his subject and finds Rome endlessly fasinating and made me feel that way too.

A readable, entertaining look at the parallels between ancient Rome and the U.S., Are We Rome? showcases Murphy's extensive knowledge of his subject. His allusions and quotations are far-reaching and reveal a lifetime spent reading about his subject. He is very good on the idea that both the Romans and those in the beltway think of themselves as anointed; he is also very good on the fixers who secure political favors for a fee. He is less engaging when he discusses the borders of the empire and the U.S., which is more of an argument for completely open borders using Rome as a launching-off point. (It's not even a bad argument--what's irksome is that he channel-surfs into another mode.) But it's his book and he can argue what he pleases. show more

Some reviewers complain that the book sets up six key comparisons between the U.S. and Rome and then backs out at the end, when Murphy answers the question of his title with a ten-page "Sort of." But these complaints seem off-base. I didn't read this to really learn the answer to the question; I read it to learn more about ancient Rome, and I did. show less

In this short but very interesting book, Cullen Murphy examines the currently very in vogue comparison of the U.S. to the Roman Republic/Empire. His thorough research and insightful comparisons are nonpartisan, at times very surprising, at times not, but always thought provoking. My biggest disappointment was his conclusion, which is that America will not "fall" like Rome because the essential quality of our society is a drive to progress and change.

Looks really promising, is very easy and enjoyable to read and seems excellently researched, is concise rather than wordy - but I just had to give up because I just don't know enough classical history. It would have taken me forever to get through it, researching all the references, and I'm too old for that s***. However, I do highly recommend it for people who come at it already interested in politics and with some background in history.

Maybe a one-question-quiz will determine if you qualify: Have you ever heard of some dude named Alaric, or if not do you understand the Wikipedia article when you look him up?