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Ancient Rome, Books, Circus Maximus, erik sass, greece, history, mental floss history of the world, reading, relaxation, rome, steve weigand, stress, world history
Lately, I’ve been extremely busy at work where it just feels like I’m putting out fires and not really getting any work done. We are overworked and understaffed, and I’ve got a bunch of things that are overdue. When I’m anxious, even the little things seem insurmountable.
I put aside Dangerous Liaisons for the Mental Floss History of the World. I wasn’t really expecting a lot, but I was pleasantly surprised that it helped me unwind and de-stress.
There’s nothing like reading about the rise and fall of empires to put one’s problems in perspective. Toss in some stuff on wars, plagues, assassination and all of a sudden, my problems seem downright silly compared to the worries of those poor Christians who found themselves in Rome‘s Colosseum or the Circus Maximus.
Besides all the interesting topics, I like how this book lends itself to short bursts of reading. I can pick it up and read a couple of pages while waiting to pick up my son from school. The book is divided into chapters, topics and subtopics to help the reader process all the information.
The authors have a flamboyant and cheeky style that I really enjoyed. History need not be dry and unpalatable. Humor goes a long way, something I wish more of my college professors remembered.
After reading the first few chapters, I may pick up more books on Greek and Roman times. Were the Spartans that hard-core about fighting? (Yeah, probably). Did the Romans really like throwing all those decadent banquets? (The Mental Floss authors say yes).
Here are some quick facts you might find interesting:
- At the time of Christ, the estimated population of Rome was 1,000,000.
- The seating capacity of Rome’s Circus Maximus arena by the fifth century was 250,000.
- The Romans built 52,000 miles of road.
I always wondered why there was that saying “All roads lead to Rome.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I’m not done with the book yet, but I’ve already ordered The Mental Floss History of the United States. I don’t remember a lot of history from school, so I had better read up in case I’m ever on one of those shows about being smarter than a third grader.
What do you like to read to help you de-stress?
Calvin and Hobbes is best for de-stressing while still professing some aspect of cerebral intregity. There’s philosophy, history, and of course humor.
Now there’s a classic worth mentioning– Calvin and Hobbes.
Golly sakes I miss those two–especially their sled runs
I can see them dragging that sled and Hobbes wearing his scarf.
Oooh this sounds really interesting! I’ve never heard of this but I’m always curious about history books in this style! Have added this to my wishlist on Book Depository
Oh, I think this is right up your alley! I really think you would enjoy it, Matt. Also, I should say that the book contains little paragraphs of digressions (but still related) that are chock full of info. For example, there’s this one part about the Quotable Julius Ceasar. It lists his famous lines.
Ahhh I love good quality digressions and footnotes! It’s a shame I’m currently banned from buying books (by myself) but when I lift that ban I shall certainly buy this!
Oh dear.
I’ve had to self-ban a few times myself, and I always feel so unfortunate when I have to do it, however responsible it is. Luckily, this is a temporary situation. 
Happy reading and music listening. 
Sounds like a great book and series. I’ve always enjoyed history and agree that humor can definitely help. I’m going to check these out. Thanks for sharing, and good luck with work!
Thanks so much! Yes, do take a look at this book if you get the chance. I like how it is entertaining and still imparts information!
I’ve looked them up on Goodreads and added them to my To Read list (both the history of the world and of the US). unfortunately, my library doesn’t have digital copies, so I’ll have to go check out the “real” thing.
Hah! Keep it real, girl. Keep it real.
I feel jipped by my public school education which made me hate history with a passion. It wasn’t until college that I learned to love history and have been slowly catching up on everything I either didn’t learn in high school or blocked out of my memory forever. Mental Floss History of the World sounds cheeky and fun. I’m adding it to my list of books to read on goodreads so I don’t forget. Thanks for posting about it, and I hope things calm down at work soon for you.
Well, I went to private school and I still feel jipped.
I sort of feel the same way you do about history. I had one class in college about English history. The professor had some very interesting stories, and I got a good grade. Part 2 of that class was horrible. I got a low grade because I couldn’t remember (or care) about the various prime ministers and blah, blah, blah.
I hope you do read this book. It’s fun!
Sorry to hear about work! When I’m stressed I need full-on escapist reading or complete fluff and amusement. So, the Shopaholic series is great because it’s a ditzy Brit who loves clothes and is hilarious. On the escapist side, big involved books are always good. I’m just re-emerging from Ken Follett’s Winter of the World. It held me hostage for 5 days.
“Re-emerge.” Good word to use in conjunction with Mr. Follett’s novels. They are so large that one must be prepared to dive in and re-surface later. I’ve never read any of the shopaholic series, but my friend just lent me one. It’s still on my shelf.
Sadly … when I am stressed or super busy….reading falls by the wayside. And unfortunately…that has been the case the last few days. Ack!
I know that feeling too. When I don’t read, I watch TV.
I like to read something really light, like a nice fluffy romance or something YA. I hope work calms down for you and things get less stressful soon
Those are good choices! I like me some fluffy romance or good YA. Thank you for the good thoughts!
When I’m stressed, I like to read comic books with lots of pointless fight scenes. I also like the Mental Floss website (even when I’m not stressed).