The Peaking of Roman Power

The author of such works as Rubicon and Dynasty, which carried the story of the Roman Empire from the rise of Caesar to the death of Nero, noted Classical scholar Holland gives us an informative, refreshing, and quite enjoyable survey of Roman history, culture, and society from Nero, through the horrors of the “Year of the Four Emperors,” the age of the Flavians, the conquests of Trajan, and age of Hadrian, a period of about 85 years, ran era that brought Rome to the peak of its power. He takes us from the imperial residences at Rome to the frosty or sweltering edges of empire in Britannia, Mesopotamia, and elsewhere.

Naturally this is primarily a tale of emperors and generals, dynastic politics, war and conquest, and imperial policy. But Holland weaves into his account a lot of observations and commentary on many other things, such as the life styles of rich and poor, cultural trends, economics, trade, slavery, and more. He also offers many lively personal profiles, of the great and powerful of course, but also of scholars, functionaries, and even fairly ordinary folks who had “cameo” roles in Rome’s story.

Readers may be surprised at some of Holland’s observations, which include, for example, several favorable comments about both Nero and Domitian.

A well written book, Pax will prove rewarding reading for anyone with even a passing interest in Roman history.

---///---

Note: Pax is also available in paperback, audio, and e-editions.

StrategyPage reviews are published in cooperation with The New York Military Affairs Symposium

www.nymas.org