Dynasty

This surging narrative offers a brilliant synthesis of ancient sources, making it a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or human nature. Rome transitioned from kings to a republic, ultimately collapsing into civil wars so brutal that the populace welcomed an autocrat promising peace. Augustus, the "Divinely Favoured One," established a dynasty that continues to captivate with its unsettling characters. Tiberius, once a celebrated general, became a bitter recluse known for his vices; Caligula, infamous for cruelty, famously rode his chariot across the sea; Agrippina, mother of Nero, schemed to elevate her son who would later have her murdered; and Nero himself, a figure of excess, indulged in the Olympics and constructed a pleasure palace over the ruins of a devastated city. In this sequel to Rubicon, the author presents a dazzling portrait of Rome's first imperial dynasty, capturing both its allure and the dark shadows of its crimes. The narrative spans from the marble grandeur of Augustus's capital to the barbarian-haunted forests of Germany, featuring a spectacular cast of characters: murderers, metrosexuals, adulterers, druids, scheming grandmothers, and reluctant gladiators. It is a vivid portrayal of a family that transformed and stupefied Rome.