IMPERIAL CITY: ROME, ROMANS AND NAPOLEON, 1796-1815

"In 1798 the armies of the French Revolution transformed Rome from the capital of the Papal States into a radical Jacobin Roman Republic. Although the experiment was soon abandoned the city then grappled with political chaos only to be absorbed into Napoleonic France in 1811." "Susan Vandiver Nicassio now presents a picture of everyday life in Rome in these two turbulent decades. Basing her study on primary sources, she reveals what life was really like for the Romans as they enjoyed or endured Napoleonic rule." "Imperial City guides us through Rome, through its ruins and slums, its palaces and churches. We learn what Romans ate, drank, wore, and read; how they played and prayed (sometimes at the same time): and how they loved and married and died." "We see the great festivals, from carnival to the Days of the Dead; the music, the art, dancing, songs and games; the random violence in public houses and the intrigue behind closed doors."--BOOK JACKET.