The War That Made the Roman Empire
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The War That Made the Roman Empire
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The War That Made the Roman Empire
Best-selling historian and classicist Barry Strauss tells the story of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire through the lives of ten of its most important emperors, from Augustus to Constantine.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionThe War That Made the Roman Empire by Barry Strauss offers an enthralling and meticulously detailed account of one of the most critical yet often overlooked conflicts in ancient history. This gripping narrative delves into the riveting events that culminated in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, a decisive clash that forever altered the course of the Roman Empire.
In the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, Rome stood divided. Caesar's foremost general, Mark Antony, had defeated the conspirators but found himself in conflict with Caesar's adopted heir, the young and ambitious Octavian, who would later become Emperor Augustus. As tensions escalated, Antony became romantically involved with Cleopatra, the powerful and enigmatic queen of Egypt. This union posed a significant threat to Octavian's quest to consolidate his power over Rome and sparked a brutal civil war.
The culmination of this power struggle was the monumental Battle of Actium, one of the largest naval engagements of the ancient world. With a fleet of over 600 ships and nearly 200,000 men, including the formidable Cleopatra, the battle's outcome was far from certain. However, Octavian's forces emerged victorious, leading to the dramatic suicides of Antony and Cleopatra and securing Octavian's position as the unchallenged ruler of Rome.
The victory at Actium had profound implications for the Roman Empire. Had Antony and Cleopatra triumphed, the epicentre of power could have shifted from Rome to Alexandria. The cultural and linguistic landscape of the empire might have changed drastically, positioning Greek, the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean, as the dominant language over Latin.
Barry Strauss, an acclaimed authority on ancient history, brings this pivotal historical moment to life with his signature blend of scholarly acumen and narrative flair. Described as "splendid" by The Wall Street Journal and "superbly recounted" by The National Review, Strauss's work is a testament to the enduring legacy of this epic conflict.
The War That Made the Roman Empire is an indispensable read for anyone interested in ancient history. It highlights the complex interplay of ambition, power, and love among three of antiquity’s most compelling figures—Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian. With its rich detail and dramatic storytelling, this book provides a nuanced understanding of the battle that sculpted the future of the Roman world.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Barry Strauss vividly brings to life the historical maritime battle at Actium in The War That Made the Roman Empire, highlighting its importance in establishing Augustus's rule and the Roman Empire's longevity. Reviews praise Strauss for maintaining suspense, offering scholarly insights, and making ancient history highly engaging and readable. Renowned historians and authors commend his ability to blend detailed historical narrative with gripping storytelling.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781982116682
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 April 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Illustration: 1x8-pg b&w insert; 3 b-w maps t-o
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 38.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 361g
Pages: 368
About the Author
Barry Strauss is a professor of history and classics at Cornell University, The Corliss Page Dean Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and a leading expert on ancient military history. He has written or edited several books, including The Battle of Salamis, The Trojan War, The Spartacus War, Masters of Command, The Death of Caesar, and Ten Caesars. Visit BarryStrauss.com.
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