The sons of Caesar : imperial Rome's first dynasty / Philip Matyszak.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Matyszak, Philip, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Emperors--Rome--Biography.

Emperors.

Rome--History--Julio-Claudians, 30 B.C.-68 A.D.

Rome.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (296 pages) : illustrations, maps

Place of Publication:

London ; New York, New York : Thames & Hudson, [2006]

Summary:

This is the story of one of the most powerful dynasties in history. At the heart of it are the lives of six men - Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius Caligula, Claudius and Nero - men who mastered ancient Rome, and changed it from a democracy to a personal possession. Set against a background of foreign wars and domestic intrigue, the story of Rome's greatest dynasty is also the story of the birth of an imperial system which shaped the Europe of today. Octavian recreated himself as the emperor Augustus and allied the Julian clan with the Claudians. The principate which he created lasted for centuries, but the strain on his family resulted in personal tragedy, murder and assassination.

Contents:

Introduction: from republic to empire

Family fortunes

Julius Caesar: from a renegade to a god

From Octavian to Augustus: Caesar's deadly legacy

Tiberius: emperor by default

Gaius Caligula: fear and loathing at the imperial court

Claudius: the unexpected emperor

Nero: the death of a dynasty

Epilogue.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 287-289) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780500771778

0500771774

9780500771785