The Complete Roman Emperor
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What do we really know about the behind-the-scenes daily lives of the Roman emperors? What were their relationships like with wives, officials and the military?
Vespasian started work before dawn, while Constantine read the Bible. Morning audiences might be followed by an afternoon spent on correspondence or with concubines (Vespasian) and a lavish evening dinner (Nero showered his guests with flowers and perfume). Soldier-emperors such as Trajan, or Septimius Severus, who marched huge distances with his legions, are contrasted with dissolute rulers such as Nero, said never to travel without a retinue of 100 coaches. The imperial role changed over the centuries, from the original concept of ‘first among equals’ to the soldier-emperors of the 3rd century, the aloof figures of Constantine’s era, and finally the ‘shadow emperors’ of Rome’s decline and fall.
Michael Sommer writes vividly about the individuals, from Augustus onwards, who shaped the job of Roman emperor. Thematic chapters range from the foundation of the empire and the different paths to power to building projects in Rome and Constantinople and the emperors on campaign. Supplemented by many quotations from ancient sources, ten special feature boxes and an extensive reference section including biographies of all the emperors, this beautifully illustrated volume gives a comprehensive picture of the Roman emperor and his world.
Vespasian started work before dawn, while Constantine read the Bible. Morning audiences might be followed by an afternoon spent on correspondence or with concubines (Vespasian) and a lavish evening dinner (Nero showered his guests with flowers and perfume). Soldier-emperors such as Trajan, or Septimius Severus, who marched huge distances with his legions, are contrasted with dissolute rulers such as Nero, said never to travel without a retinue of 100 coaches. The imperial role changed over the centuries, from the original concept of ‘first among equals’ to the soldier-emperors of the 3rd century, the aloof figures of Constantine’s era, and finally the ‘shadow emperors’ of Rome’s decline and fall.
Michael Sommer writes vividly about the individuals, from Augustus onwards, who shaped the job of Roman emperor. Thematic chapters range from the foundation of the empire and the different paths to power to building projects in Rome and Constantinople and the emperors on campaign. Supplemented by many quotations from ancient sources, ten special feature boxes and an extensive reference section including biographies of all the emperors, this beautifully illustrated volume gives a comprehensive picture of the Roman emperor and his world.
Extent: 208 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 229
Publication date: 2010-10-04
Size: 25.4 x 19.2 cm
ISBN: 9780500251676
Introduction • 1. The Story of an Empire • 2. Augustus and the Transition to Empire 3. Becoming Emperor • 4. Being Emperor • 5. Emperors on Campaign • 6. Rome and Constantinople • 7. Decline and Fall in the West
Press Reviews
Contemporary Review
About the Author
Michael Sommer is Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Liverpool.
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