Escape from Rome

In Escape from Rome, Walter Scheidel explores how the fall of the Roman Empire, far from being a disaster, paved the way for Europe's economic and political rise, shaping the modern world. Spanning from ancient Rome to global history, the book examines why Europe emerged as a dominant force by emphasizing the importance of political fragmentation and diversity. Scheidel offers a provocative perspective on the transition from empire to the competitive, innovative landscape that transformed Europe and the world.