Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine

Ten Caesars traces the Roman Empire across three and a half centuries through the lives of ten emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Diocletian, and Constantine. The narrative spans from Augustus, who founded the empire, to Constantine, who converted it to Christianity and relocated the capital to Constantinople. During this period, Rome expanded in power and territory before experiencing significant decline. By Constantine's reign in the fourth century, the empire had transformed so thoroughly in geography, ethnicity, religion, and culture that it would have been unrecognizable to Augustus. The book examines how these emperors maintained imperial rule through adaptation and perseverance. Rome's influence persists in modern times through language, law, architecture, and the Roman Catholic Church. Strauss explores this lasting legacy by analyzing the decisions and actions of the men who shaped the empire's evolution.