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Books : The Sons of Caesar: Imperial Rome's First Dynasty
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Rating: 
- An excellent starting point
This book explores the highly complex lives of the first six Caesars, from Julius Caesar through to Nero. I myself have a rather limited knowledge of the Emperors after Caesar, so I was well pleased with the explanations of the rules of the Emperors. It is, as said above, an excellent starting point for research into one of the most turbulent times in Roman politics, but not recommended to people looking for a highly in-depth biography of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It is highly enjoyable and the material lends itself well to the style of the author, allowing the tale to unfold.
However, the main fault with this history is Philip Matyszak's handling of the complex material, insofar that he is mostly unable to simplify the events to beeasily readable. Of course, the fact that the Romans insisted on naming their daughters after the family name of the father doesn't make simplification easy.
The criticism, though, is quite minor, but for me enough to warrant a loss of the fifth star. Despite this I would very strongly urge the purchase of the book to anybody looking for a brief reminder of these times and the events surrounding the fascinating figures in it.
- An excellent starting pointThis book explores the highly complex lives of the first six Caesars, from Julius Caesar through to Nero. I myself have a rather limited knowledge of the Emperors after Caesar, so I was well pleased with the explanations of the rules of the Emperors. It is, as said above, an excellent starting point for research into one of the most turbulent times in Roman politics, but not recommended to people looking for a highly in-depth biography of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It is highly enjoyable and the material lends itself well to the style of the author, allowing the tale to unfold.
However, the main fault with this history is Philip Matyszak's handling of the complex material, insofar that he is mostly unable to simplify the events to beeasily readable. Of course, the fact that the Romans insisted on naming their daughters after the family name of the father doesn't make simplification easy.
The criticism, though, is quite minor, but for me enough to warrant a loss of the fifth star. Despite this I would very strongly urge the purchase of the book to anybody looking for a brief reminder of these times and the events surrounding the fascinating figures in it.