Before Augustus: The Collapse of the Roman Republic [Hardcover]

Based on a study of ancient sources and contemporary literature, this is a fast paced and compelling new account of the tempestuous last century of the Roman Republic.The political process that culminated in the transition from Republic to Empire in ancient Rome began with the military reform of Caius Marius in the last decades of the 2nd century BC. Following the Civil War and Sullas dictatorship, it developed further with the First Triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, and two further civil wars. These wars, which saw Caesar pitted against Pompey, and Octavian fighting Anthony, ended in 27 BC with the rise to power of Octavian, the adoptive son of Caesar.Before Augustus outlines a summary of the last years of the Roman Republic, weaving together the military, political, and social aspects. Scholar Natale Barca sets the protagonists within the complex societal and political system that they operated, analyzing their actions, and the epic battles that ensued.A compelling new account of the tempestuous last century of the Roman Republic.Based on a study of ancient sources and contemporary literature, this fast paced and accessible account of the end of the Roman Republic will have wide appeal.Interweaves the strands and personalities of late Republican history into a compelling story.A new history of a turbulent period in Roman history, which saw political intrigue, assassinations, and full-scale warfare between friends and family. ...the author does an admirable job of showing just how complicated and interconnected all the great patrician families were and how their jealousies and rivalries ultimately led to their undoing and the end of the great Roman Republic. The chronological arrangement, the narrative structure, and the focus on the big personalities all seem devised to make the book a fast-paced, engaging read. Before Augustus offers an excellent amalgamation of events and analysis of political motives and moves before Octavian took charge. Enjoyed ilÃÈ