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The Mad Emperor

Heliogabalus and the Decadence of Rome
By Harry Sidebottom
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Mad Emperor by Harry Sidebottom, the life of Emperor Elagabalus unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Rome's tumultuous political landscape. The book explores how this teenage ruler's unorthodox reign and peculiar passions challenged the Roman Empire's norms, delving into the intrigue of his rise to power and the societal ramifications of his leadership. It offers an engaging narrative of ambition, decadence, and the often tumultuous nature of historical leadership.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy diving into the dramatic highs and lows of Roman history, focusing on characters whose turbulent reigns left a deep impact. It blends vivid storytelling with historical insights, bringing to life the era and events that shaped an empire.

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The Mad Emperor

What happens when you put the Roman Empire in the hands of a teenage boy? The life and times of the worst Roman emperor of all.

What happens when you put the Roman Empire in the hands of a teenage boy? The life and times of the worst Roman emperor of all.

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! Description

'Buy the book; it's very entertaining.' David Aaronovitch, The Times

A Financial Times, BBC History and Spectator Book of the Year

On 8 June 218 AD, a fourteen-year-old Syrian boy, egged on by his grandmother, led an army to battle in a Roman civil war. Against all expectations, he was victorious.

Varius Avitus Bassianus, known to the modern world as Heliogabalus, was proclaimed emperor. The next four years were to be the strangest in the history of the empire.

Heliogabalus humiliated the prestigious Senators and threw extravagant dinner parties for lower-class friends. He ousted Jupiter from his summit among the gods and replaced him with Elagabal. He married a Vestal Virgin – twice. Rumours abounded that he was a prostitute.

In the first biography of Heliogabalus in over half a century, Harry Sidebottom unveils the high drama of sex, religion, power and culture in Ancient Rome as we’ve never seen it before.

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?

The reviews praise The Mad Emperor for its lively and engaging recounting of Emperor Heliogabalus's reign, combining historical scholarship with an entertaining narrative. Critics highlight Sidebottom's ability to vividly portray Roman society, weaving a tale that is both educational and captivating, with elements of decadence, politics, and scandal. The book is noted for being a richly detailed, well-researched, and accessible read, recommended for anyone interested in ancient history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780861546855

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oneworld Publications

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 352

Collections

Ancient & Classical History Biography & Memoir European History Harry Sidebottom History & Military Non-Fiction Political Biographies

About the Author

Dr Harry Sidebottom teaches Ancient History at Lincoln College, Oxford. Since publication of Fire in the East in 2008, he has written and published a novel each year, all of which have been Sunday Times top 5 bestsellers. His Warrior of Rome series has been published in 14 countries. Harry is also the editor of the Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Ancient Battles.

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