This was my 2nd book finished in 2025.

It's become clear to me that I find the Romans quite dull - it's just a bit overdone in British history and archaeology.

I was mildly interested throughout, but found it a bit repetitive and a little dull. The book got weirdly Christian at the end...

But I did really like Deary's angle that although we are amazed and impressed by Roman feats, everyone seems to gloss over the brutality of Roman culture. I like that this was highlighted throughout - let's stop romanticising the Romans!