The roman empire reached its zenith within the first two centuries of the fall of the roman republic, expanding its territory and spreading its influence well beyond the borders of europe. During that time, a sort of global peace was achieved, which historians call the pax romana.

Throughout the pages of this tome, you'll get brief glimpses of the reigns of many emperors who made the pax romana into what it was. Discover the pax romana's long-term effects and how it managed to cement the roman empire as the go-to empire for many later civilizations to try and emulate.

Some of the topics covered in this book include:From the republic to the empire: the rise of octavianThe age of augustusThe julio-claudian dynasty after augustus: from tiberius to neroCivil war and the year of the four emperors (ad 68-69)The flaviansSome new emperorsCrises, civil wars, and divisions: the long and painful declineThroughout the story of the holy roman empire, a wealth of fascinating tales from interesting people proliferates. Monks and emperors will clash, poets sing the praises of kings, and the pope rides blind and bareback on a frightened donkey through the streets of rome.

The mightiest monarch in all of the world walks barefoot in the snow in repentance for his angry deeds, and two rival families stand toe-to-toe for the monarchy. Crusades are lost in war and won in diplomacy, while kings are held ransom, revolts are suppressed, and antipopes crowned.

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