Famous Photos In American History Ancient Rome History Documentary 1080p Roman Emperors in Order: A Quick Look at Ancient History IBCSOMS The History of Ancient Rome: A Comprehensive Overview The Roman Empire was one of the greatest civilizations in human history. Leonardo Bruni (1370 1444), the leading civic humanist of the Italian Renaissance, served as apostolic secretary to four popes (1405 1414) and chancellor of Florence (1427 1444). He was famous in his day as a translator, orator, and historian, and was the best selling author of the fifteenth century. Bruni's History of the Florentine People in twelve books is generally considered the first modern work of history, and was widely imitated by humanist historians for two centuries after its official publication by the Florentine Signoria in 1442. This edition makes it available for the first time in English translation.