Difficult to enjoy for anyone but academic historians. I'm sure the research is splendid and illuminates an under-covered area of study with respect and diligence, but it fails to create a red-line or poignant theme that keeps a more casual reader engaged. Every now and then, the author trickles in a colourful metaphor to keep the text flavourful, but frankly, they are superficial and seem like they were added after the bulk of the text was written. 
Nevertheless, an informative read for anyone seeking to understand the Middle-East and relations with Rome before the advent of Islam.