Lives of the Caesars

Lives of the Caesars tells the stories of 12 of Rome’s most fascinating and influential rulers, uncovering the unique features of their reigns which allowed them to earn their places in history.

• A comprehensive and engaging account of the lives of the Caesars, who helped shaped one of the most significant periods in history
• Each chapter entertainingly recounts the life and reign of a Roman emperor
• Includes notorious leaders such as Nero and Caligula, as well as less famous ones like Diocletian and Vespasian
• Includes illustrations, a timeline of Roman history, and a chart of dynasties

List of Illustrations.

Note on Contributors.

Aknowledgements.

Abbreviations.

Maps.

Family Trees.

Introduction.

Anthony A. Barrett.

I Augustus.

Werner Eck.

II Tiberius.

Greg Rowe.

III Caligula.

Anthony A. Barrett.

IV Claudius.

Donna W. Hurley.

V Nero.

Miriam Griffin.

VI Vespasian.

Barbara Levick.

VII Hadrian.

Mary T. Boatwright.

VIII Marcus Aurelius.

Anthony R. Birley.

IX Severus.

David Potter.

X Diocletian.

Simon Corcoran.

XI Constantine.

Noel Lenski.

XII Justinian.

Allan Evans.

Glossary of Roman Terms

"Anthony Barrett's well-chosen collection of essays on some of the most influential and charismatic emperors [is] welcome." (Yorkshire Evening Post, October 2008)

“A great treat for those who already know the general outline of the history of the Roman Empire. Excellent writers [and] well-planned. A coherent unit.” (About.com)

Anthony A. Barrett is Emeritus Professor of Classics and Distinguished University Professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Barrett has published a number of books and articles on Roman antiquity and is the author of three ancient biographies, on Caligula, Agrippina the Younger, and Livia. The Roman Empire represents one the most significant periods in European history, creating institutions that are still in one form or other with us today, and at its centre stood the emperors.

Lives of the Caesars tells the stories of twelve of Rome’s most fascinating and influential rulers. Each chapter puts an emperor in the spotlight, from Augustus to Justinian, tracing the life of each of these dynamic but often flawed characters. The authors outline the unique features that allowed these great men to put their stamp on Roman civilization, and earn their places in history.

Replete with illustrations, a timeline of Roman history, and a chart of dynasties, Lives of the Caesars is an engaging account of some of the most powerful leaders in the ancient world.

"An altogether attractive book. In short and well-written chapters, leading experts share the results of extensive research into the subject. The reader comes to see not only what power the Roman emperor enjoyed, but the challenges he faced, from members of the court to foreign peoples living beyond the borders of his realm."
–Josiah Osgood, Georgetown University