Aspects of Roman History AD 14–117

This new edition of Aspects of Roman History AD 14 -117 provides a guide to the history of the early Roman Empire. Taking us from its foundation under Augustus to the height of its power under Trajan, the book considers the key historical events that shaped Roman history. Blending social and economic history with political history, Richard Alston’s revised edition guides students through key issues, introducing sources, exploring techniques by which those sources might be read, and encouraging students to develop their historical judgement.

In the first half of the book, each emperor is considered in turn. The reader is introduced to the events and the chronological framework of each reign, and led to a consideration of the key issues that underpin our understanding of the emperors. Students are guided to the particular sources and encouraged to explore the crucial issues. In the second half, a more thematic approach introduces students to major aspects of economic and social history. Studies of gender and sexuality, religion and religious change, slavery and the social hierarchy, provinces, and cultural change introduce a range of controversies in historical research.

The new edition is revised to take into account recent developments in historical research in the period and to reflect a greater focus on social and economic history in schools and universities. It is expanded to provide more information on the foundation of the imperial system under Augustus and the issues relating to Augustan Rome. Further, students are given more support in understanding the history of the provinces and of Roman imperialism. Aspects of Roman History AD 14 -117 provides an invaluable introduction to Roman Imperial history.