In this bold new interpretation of the origins of ancient Rome's overseas empire, Dr Burton charts the impact of the psychology, language and gesture associated with the ancient Roman concept of amicitia, or 'friendship'. The book challenges the prevailing orthodox Cold War-era realist interpretation of Roman imperialism and argues that language and ideals contributed just as much to Roman empire-building as military muscle. Using an international relations constructivist theoretical framework, Dr Burton replaces the modern scholarly fiction of a Roman empire built on networks of foreign...