Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors From Augustus To Constantine

When it comes to ancient history, few empires have left a lasting impact like the Roman Empire. For centuries, the Romans dominated a vast stretch of land, leaving behind an incredible legacy that still shapes the modern world in numerous ways.

At the heart of this empire were the Roman emperors, the most powerful individuals of their time. From the legendary Augustus to the influential Constantine, these ten Caesars played a pivotal role in shaping Rome's history and culture.

Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine

by Barry Strauss (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	92739 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	432 pages

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1. Augustus

Augustus, also known as Octavian, was the first Roman emperor. He ruled for over four decades and transformed Rome from a republic into a monarchy. Under his leadership, the Roman Empire experienced a period of relative peace and stability known as the Pax Romana.

2. Tiberius

Tiberius succeeded Augustus and his reign was marked by a more reserved and introverted leadership style. Despite his accomplishments in expanding the empire, Tiberius was often criticized for his autocratic rule.

3. Caligula

Caligula, known for his notorious behavior and extravagance, is one of the most infamous Roman emperors. His reign was marked by acts of cruelty and excess, ultimately leading to his assassination.

4. Claudius

Claudius, often underestimated due to physical disabilities, surprised many with his effective governance. He expanded the empire through military conquests and implemented important legal reforms.

5. Nero

Nero, infamous for his oppressive rule and persecution of Christians, is remembered for the Great Fire of Rome and his indulgence in lavish entertainment. His reign ended with his own suicide.

6. Vespasian

Vespasian rose to power amidst civil unrest and financial difficulties. He restored stability to Rome and embarked on several major construction projects, including the Colosseum.

7. Trajan

Trajan, known for his military prowess, expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. He is considered one of the "Five Good Emperors" due to his fair ruling and extensive public works.

8. Hadrian

Hadrian focused on consolidating the empire's borders and strengthening its defenses. He was also known for his extensive architectural projects, including the construction of Hadrian's Wall.

9. Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, a stoic philosopher, led Rome during challenging times, dealing with invasions and internal conflicts. His philosophical writings in the form of "Meditations" are revered to this day.

10. Constantine

Constantine is famous for being the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity. He introduced significant religious and administrative reforms and played a significant role in the rise of Christianity.

The Ten Caesars, from Augustus to Constantine, embody the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Each emperor left their unique mark on history, shaping Rome's culture, politics, and society in profound ways. From the ambitious Augustus to the influential Constantine, the legacy of these Roman emperors continues to fascinate and captivate us.

Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine

by Barry Strauss (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	92739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	432 pages

FREE

Bestselling classical historian Barry Strauss delivers “an exceptionally accessible history of the Roman Empire…much of Ten Caesars reads like a script for Game of Thrones” (The Wall Street Journal)—a summation of three and a half centuries of the Roman Empire as seen through the lives of ten of the most important emperors, from Augustus to Constantine.

In this essential and “enlightening” (The New York Times Book Review) work, Barry Strauss tells the story of the Roman Empire from rise to reinvention, from Augustus, who founded the empire, to Constantine, who made it Christian and moved the capital east to Constantinople.

During these centuries Rome gained in splendor and territory, then lost both. By the fourth century, the time of Constantine, the Roman Empire had changed so dramatically in geography, ethnicity, religion, and culture that it would have been virtually unrecognizable to Augustus. Rome’s legacy remains today in so many ways, from language, law, and architecture to the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Strauss examines this enduring heritage through the lives of the men who shaped it: Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Diocletian, and Constantine. Over the ages, they learned to maintain the family business—the government of an empire—by adapting when necessary and always persevering no matter the cost.

Ten Caesars is a “captivating narrative that breathes new life into a host of transformative figures” (Publishers Weekly). This “superb summation of four centuries of Roman history, a masterpiece of compression, confirms Barry Strauss as the foremost academic classicist writing for the general reader today” (The Wall Street Journal).