gems, ancient gems, glyptic, trade, commerce, trade routes, Rome, Near East, India, China, Indian lapidary

This book offers a new and concise survey of Roman adventuring beyond the formal political frontiers of the Roman world, highlighting the remarkable spread of Roman influence from Ireland to China. Recent discoveries have significantly expanded our understanding of the extent and impact of Roman presence in distant regions, and much of the information presented here has not been easily accessible before. Notably, part of the content is drawn from the author’s own explorations and excavations in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, adding a valuable firsthand perspective to this compelling account of Rome’s far-reaching connections.