*A Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday Summer Read of 2024*

The extraordinary story of ancient Rome, history's greatest superpower, as told through humankind's most universal object: the coin.

'Fantastic' CONN IGGULDEN, author of Nero
'Brilliant' EMMA SOUTHON, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Woman
'Wonderful' CHRISTOPHER HADLEY, author of The Road

Moneta traces ancient Rome’s unstoppable rise, from a few huts on an Italian hilltop to an all-conquering empire spanning three continents, through the fascinating lives of twelve remarkable coins. In these handcrafted pieces of ancient art we witness Caesar's bloody assassination, follow the legions to the edge of the known world, take a seat in the packed Colosseum, and ultimately, watch as barbarian armies mass at the gates.

The Romans saw coins as far more than just money – these were metal canvases on which they immortalised their sacred gods, mighty emperors, towering monuments, and brutal battles of conquest. Revealed in those intricate designs struck in gold, silver, and bronze was the epic history of the Roman world.

Hold the glory and the infamy of ancient Rome in the palm of your hand.

"Riveting ... An utterly original history of Rome that compels from start to finish. A wonderful read" - Mail on Sunday

"An excellent 1,000 year history of Rome told through 12 coins… This book is well worth a few denarii" - Sunday Times, *Summer Reads of 2024*

"A wonderfully evocative history of the Roman Empire" - Mail on Sunday, *Summer Reads of 2024*

"For those who want an enjoyable potted history of 1,000 years of Rome told in an engaging new way, Harney’s book is well worth a few denarii" - The Times

"[Harney] deploys the coins skilfully to underpin and illustrate his history … an effective and appropriate strategy because Roman coins really are exceptional in the range of their design … a rich resource for talking about Roman power" - Times Literary Supplement