Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine

Ancient Rome laid the foundations of the West. Its legacy still shapes us today in so many ways, from language, law, and architecture to being the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Bestselling classical historian Barry Strauss examines this enduring heritage through the lives of ten men who ruled over the empire: from Augustus, the founder, to Constantine, who refounded the empire s Christian and moved its capital east to Constantinople three and a half centuries later. As Roman women - mothers, wives, mistresses - had substantial authority and influence over the emperors, Strauss also profiles the most important among them, from Livia, Augustus's wife, to Helena, Constantine's mother.

During these centuries Rome gained in splendor and territory, then lost both. By the time of Constantine, the Roman Empire had changed so dramatically in geography, ethnicity, religion, and culture that it would have been virtually unrecognizable to Augustus. But in one way it remained faithful to his vision: it survived, no matter the cost.

Ten Caesars is essential history as well as fascinating biography.