Clarke (history of art, U. of Texas at Austin) illustrates his discussion of the lives of Roman soldiers, senators, commoners, freedpersons, merchants, and slaves between 100 B.C. and 200 A.D. with 144 photographs (many previously unpublished), diagrams, and digital renderings from Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia. Nine chapters include religious life, work, life in the military, taverns and public latrines, baths, dinner parties, entertainment, portraiture, and death and fame in Ancient Roman society. The accompanying CD-ROM contains an interactive tour through Pompeii's well-preserved House of the Vettii. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)