The Complete Chronicle of the Emperors of Rome

VOLUME TWO – The Tetrarchy (AD 284) to death of Justinian (AD 565).

Originally published in a single-edition hardback in 2005, few books before have explored the exploits, achievements, and notorious antics of ancient Rome's imperial dynasties in such readable detail. This title sets out to describe in a highly readable narrative text the lives of every man (and a few women) who aspired to the purple, from Augustus in 27 BC to Justinian I, who died in AD 565—arguably the end of Rome’s classical period. Many are familiar with the descendants of Julius Caesar—Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero—but how many readers know about Maximus Thrax, Claudius II Gothicus, or the Gallic Empire of Postumus? Over two volumes, almost 120 emperors, usurpers, pretenders, and barbarian rulers of the period are brought vividly to life, illustrated by a mixture of drawings of their busts and coinage, and complemented by specially commissioned maps that clearly outline imperial ambitions and failures. “The Complete Chronicle Of The Emperors Of Rome” provides a history of political, social, military, and economic strategies of the western world’s most powerful and influential empire, and is an essential companion to anyone interested in, or studying, the ancient Romans.

VOLUME ONE ¬ Julius Caesar to the restoration of imperial unity, AD 284 is available separately.

J. Doherty (Amazon reviewer) said: “If you want a slightly different and more visual take on a fascinating subject, this book is a must!”

Christopher Bonura (Amazon reviewer) said: “Great descriptions of each Emperor, drawing on every source imaginable. It covers every period, a lot of which have very little written about them elsewhere (such as the Third Century). The book even covers the lives of some rulers who were not Emperors, such as the Gothic kings of Italy and leaders of the later Roman Republic. What attracted me were the wonderful pictures of every emperor, from statues, coins, paintings, and sometimes all of the above. The coins are used so often that I’d recommend anyone with an interest in Roman coins to just look at the pictures.

Heritage-Key.com said: “Aficionados of the trials, tribulations, big personalities and exploits of ancient Rome will look hard to find a more definitive but accessible reference guide to this compelling time in global history. “The Complete Chronicle of the Emperors of Rome” covers not only background history, but also the politics of the time, as well as military and economic strategies, and their social impact. It is an exhaustive coverage of the world’s most powerful and influential empire, and would be at home on the book shelf of anyone studying—or simply interested in—ancient Rome. Film-maker, journalist Roger M. Kean has edited historical reference books for many years. Here, his approach is sober, scholarly, and methodical. This chronicle is less about scandal and titillation and more for those with a bent for the encyclopaedic and, indeed, accurate.