For Mommsen’s work to still be held in such high regard over a century after first publication is high praise indeed. The other major influence on the concept of ancient history during the last half of the nineteenth century was Grote whose work has now been completely superseded. Mommsen wanted to bring down the ancients from their fantastic pedestal into the real world . Most agree he succeeded and his book was soon translated into every major language and gained favour with a huge international public. Abused as a journalistic hack by his colleagues, part of Mommsen’s appeal lay in his caustic comments, asides and opinions stemming from his lifelong Radicalism. Nevertheless, after the death of Niebuhr, this has remained the most indispensable core work in the field of Roman studies. Its lasting success lies in Mommsen’s incomparable mastery of every aspect of civilization . Its impact on international historical scholarship makes it essential to every library.