Summary of Barry Strauss's Ten Caesars

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

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#1 Augustus was an icon and a mystery. He ended a century of revolution and brought down the Roman Republic, and replaced it with the empire of which he was the first emperor. He found the perfect number two: a partner to serve as his general and administrator without threatening his power.

#2 Octavian was born in 63 BC. His father, Gaius Octavius, came from a family of strivers from a small town south of Rome. He was wealthy and politically ambitious, but he lacked the noble heritage that most Romans, rich or poor, expected in their leaders.

#3 Octavian, the young man who would become Caesar’s successor, was promoted by Caesar. He was not a born soldier, but he was tenacious, cunning, and brave. He had an iron will.

#4 When Caesar died in 44 BC, his plan was to start a three-year war of conquest in the East. He gave Octavian a big role by naming him his Master of the Horse, or second in command. However, the Ides of March changed everything.

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Rafbók: 1 april 2022