Reviews

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, a sequel to Rubicon - which followed Caesar and Augustus and the end of the Roman Republic. This book follows on with the lives of the Caesars from Augustus to Nero, although it does touch on the reign of Vespasian.

Fun and interesting throughout, just how history should be taught. There were some funny anecdotes such as the wealthy roman who was deemed depraved for having mirrors on his walls which enlarged certain appendages when used for getting his rocks off.

All in all a great book and superb author too, makes the subject accessible and hopefully encourages further delving into the wonderful history that is Roman (or ancient in general). I look forward to reading more by Tom Holland (not Spiderman) and luckily enough I have several of his books waiting on my bookshelf.

evgeorge's review against another edition

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This book reads like a history text and not a work of nonfiction storytelling that I expect from a writer such as Tom Holland. There is nothing new here for me.