Caligula

Sam Wilkinson provides an accessible introduction to the reign of Caligula, one of the most controversial of all the Roman Emperors. Caligula's policies have often been interpreted to be those of a depraved tyrant.This study provides a reassessment of this controversial reign by scrutinising the ancient literary sources that are so hostile to Caligula, and by examining the reasoning behind the policies he enforced. Key topics discussed include:* Caligula's early life and accession to power* Caligula's relationship with the Senate* how far Caligula's domestic and foreign policies can be judged to be a success* why Caligula was assassinated in AD 41, only four years after his accession to power.With a guide to primary and secondary sources, a chronology and a detailed glossary, Caligula is an invaluable study of the reign of this fascinating Emperor.

Of all Roman emperors none, with the possible exception of Nero, surpasses Caligula's reputation for infamy. But was Caligula really the mad despot and depraved monster of popular legend or the victim of hostile ancient historians?In this study of Caligula's life, reign and violent death, Anthony A. Barrett draws on the archaeological and numismatic evidence to supplement the later written record. In Professor Barrett's view, the mystery of Caligula's reign is not why he descended into autocracy, but how any intelligent Roman could have expected a different outcome - to grant total power to an inexperienced and arrogant young man was a recipe for disaster. This book, scholarly and accessible, offers a careful reconstruction of Caligula's life and times, and a shrewd assessment of his historical importance.

Covering the very beginnings of Western civilization, this biographical dictionary introduces readers to the great cultural figures of the ancient world, including those who contributed significantly to architecture, astronomy, history, literature, mathematics, philosophy, painting, sculpture, and theology. While focusing on great cultural figures of the Mediterranean basin, such as Homer, Sophocles, and Aristophanes, the volume also includes those who impinged on Greco-Roman Civilization such as Hannibal Barca and King Darius of Persia. Showing how the era's intellectual milieu was interwoven with its political agenda, the book also includes entries on major political and military figures, pointing to their cultural as well as their political contributions. With 480 entries, the book is an excellent basic reference for students seeking an understanding of the ancient world.

Crime and punishment have concerned humanity since the beginning of social life. Their manifestations in ancient Rome remains a fascinating topic, as the law of most European countries today is derived from ancient Roman law.Richard A. Bauman tells the history of punishment from the Roman Republic to the late Empire, thus shedding light on some decisive aspects of Roman history. Trials for treason, sedition and corruption illuminate political history; common law crimes like murder, and forgery that sharpen our perception of social history; discussions of freedom of speech increase our understanding of intellectual history; and religious persecutions fill out the picture of religious history.

During the Republic, Rome had no permanent guard as she had no ruler and no standing army. But as soon as emperors came to power, they raised a horse guard, for one-man rule hinged on it, in peace as well as in war. The history of the Roman horse guard in fact begins at Noviodunum, in 52BC, when they saved Caesar in Gaul. Michael Speidel here traces the history of the tall, fierce and faithful horsemen from that monument until they perished with Maxentius, drowning in the battle at the Mivian Bridge.The horse guardsmen of the Roman emperors, the equites singulares Augusti , had a decisive role to play in Roman history. They were the emperors' bodyguard and as such they watched over him and ensured his safety wherever he went. They served as parade troops in the capital and as crack troops, forming an elite strategic reserve. Through them the emperors also secured the loyalty and training of frontier troops. Recruited first among German tribes, especially the Batavi, and later also among Danubian peoples, they retained their native spirit and fighting techniques and were housed in their own forts in Rome. Chosen for strength, good looks and their ability to swim rivers in full battle gear, they were a striking sight, as recorded in both written accounts and art.Based on literary, archaeological and epigraphic sources, Professor Speidel's book represents the first history of the Roman horse guard ever written and provides a readable account of the intricate part these men played in the fate of the Roman empire and its emperors.

This fresh and engaging book looks at each of the Roman emperors from Julius Caesar in 44BC to Romulus Augustulus in AD 476, illuminating not only the manner of their deaths but what their final days tell us about their lives. We also hear how the most powerful position in the history of the Western world held a permanent appeal, despite its perils, with eager candidates constantly coming forward to seize the throne.Very few of the Roman emperors died a natural death. The insane Caligula was murdered after leaving the theatre; Caracalla while he was relieving himself. Caesar was stabbed twenty three times and Otho was dragged into the Tiber with a flesh-hook. However great an emperor's power, danger was ever present. Emperors Don't Die in Bed provides a clear history of the imperial succession as well as a compelling depiction of the intrigue and drama of Roman imperial politics.

Who's Who in the Roman World is a wide-ranging biographical survey of one of the greatest civilizations in history. Covering a period from the 5th century BC to AD 364, this is an authoritative and hugely enjoyable guide to an era which continues to fascinate today. The figures included come from all walks of Roman life and include some of history's most famous - not to mention infamous - figures as well as hitherto little-known, but no less fascinating, characters. These include :* the notorious emperors - Caligula; Nero; Elagabalus; Commodus* the great poets, philosophers and historians - Virgil; Tacitus; Seneca; Ovid* the brilliant politicians and soldiers - Hannibal; Scipio; Caesar; Mark Antony; Constantine* noteworthy citizens - Acte, mistress of Nero; Catiline, the revolutionary; Spartacus, champion of the slaves; Gaius Verres, the corrupt governor of Sicily.The inclusion of cross-referencing, a glossary of terms, select bibliographies, maps, genealogies and an author's preface complete what is at once a superb reference resource and an enormously entertaining read.