Lives of the Caesars

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.

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 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.

"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)