Constructing Autocracy: Aristocrats and Emperors in Julio-Claudian Rome

(Paperback)

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Description

Rome's transition from a republican system of government to an imperial regime comprised more than a century of civil upheaval and rapid institutional change. Yet the establishment of a ruling dynasty, centered around a single leader, came as a cultural and political shock to Rome's aristocracy, who had shared power in the previous political order.

Reviews

"Clearly written and augmented with a bibliography and two indexes, this book will appeal to informed general readers and scholars alike."--Choice "The book as a whole is excellent, and can be recommended both for the contribution of the overall argument and for the insight of the individual readings... It should be read by everyone interested in the Principate, the literature of that period, ancient philosophy, ethics, social history, and political theory. I look forward to reading it again."--Ellen O'Gorman, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Author Bio

Matthew B. Roller is Associate Professor of Classics at The Johns Hopkins University. His work, which focuses on Rome, reflects wide-ranging interests in literature, history, culture, and ethics.