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Augustus: First Emperor of Rome - Paperback | Diverse Reads

Augustus: First Emperor of Rome

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The dramatic story of Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, who plunged into Rome’s violent power struggles at the age of nineteen, proceeded to destroy all rivals, and more than anyone else created the Roman Empire
 
"A fascinating study of political life in ancient Rome."—Nick Romeo, Christian Science Monitor

Caesar Augustus’ story, one of the most riveting in Western history, is filled with drama and contradiction, risky gambles and unexpected success. Thrusting himself into Rome’s extremely violent politics while yet a very young man, Augustus skillfully maneuvered his way through twisting alliances during years of civil war. Named heir to the murdered Julius Caesar, he outwitted and outlasted far more experienced rivals like Antony and Brutus. Ruling supreme, he reinvented himself as a benevolent man of peace and created a new system of government.
 
In this highly anticipated biography Goldsworthy puts his deep knowledge of ancient sources to full use, recounting the events of Augustus’ long life in greater detail than ever before. Goldsworthy pins down the man behind the myths: a consummate manipulator, propagandist, and showman, both generous and ruthless. Under Augustus’ rule the empire prospered, yet his success was never assured and the events of his life unfolded with exciting unpredictability. Goldsworthy captures the passion and savagery, the public image and private struggles of the real man whose epic life continues to influence Western history.

ISBN-13: 9780300216660

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Yale University Press

Publication Date: 09-29-2015

Pages: 640

Product Dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.50(d)

Adrian Goldsworthy is a leading historian of the ancient world and author of acclaimed biographies of Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra among many other books. He lectures widely and consults on historical documentaries produced by the History Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He lives in the Vale of Glamorgan, UK.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vii

List of Maps ix

Introduction 1

Part 1 Caius Octavius (Thurinus)63-44 BC

1 'Father of His Country' 19

2 'A Man of Wealth and Good Reputation' 32

3 The Consulship of Julius and Caesar 47

4 A Way Out 63

Part 2 Caius Julius Caesar (Octavianus)44-38 BC

5 Heir 83

6 Praise 98

7 Reward and Discard 115

8 Vengeance and Discord 128

Part 3 Imperator Caesar, Divi Filius 38-27 BC

9 Sons of Gods 151

10 Rivals 170

11 Triumph 195

Part 4 Imperator Caesar Augustus, Divi Filius 27-2 BC

12 Renewal and Restoration 217

13 To Overcome the Proud in War 239

14 The ?Title of Greatest Power' 258

15 The Eagles 284

16 An End and a Beginning 307

17 Family and Colleagues 334

18 Augustan Peace 355

Part 5 Imperator Caesar Augustus, Divi Filius, Pater Patriae 2 BC-AD 14

19 Father 377

20 The 'Sentry Post' 402

21 For the Sake of the Res Publica 426

22 Pax Augusta 446

Conclusion: Hurry Slowly 469

Appendix 1 The Senatorial Career or Cursus Honorum 482

Appendix 2 Date of the Birth of Jesus 487

Glossary 493

Key Personalities 503

Family Trees 512

Bibliography 522

Abbreviations 538

Notes 540

Index 587