In this new series of short books under the "Histories of the Unexpected" brand, Sam Willis and James Daybell take on some of greatest historical subjects but in an entirely unexpected way.

Traditionally, the Romans have been understood in a straightforward way but the period really comes alive if you take an unexpected approach to its history. Yes, emperors, the development of civilisation and armies all have a fascinating history... but so too do tattoos, collecting, fattening, recycling, walking, poison, fish, inkwells and wicked stepmothers!

Each of these subjects is equally fascinating in its own right, and each sheds new light on the traditional subjects and themes that we think we know so well.