2023/051: Master and God — Lindsey Davis

2023/051: Master and God — Lindsey Davis

He will be a good emperor. Work diligently. Take a meticulous interest in all aspects of administering the Empire. Honour the gods. Rebuild, replenish coffers, tackle moral degeneration, crush revolt, initiate festivals, encourage artistic and athletic achievement, leave Rome flourishing and ready for a Golden Age. His name will reverberate through history. His fame will be perpetual. Knowing these things is not enough. [p. 79]

Part historical novel, part overview of the Emperor Domitian's reign (81-96 CE). The love story between two complex and credible characters, soldier Gaius Vinius Clodianus and hairdresser Flavia Lucilla, plays out against the backdrop of Domitian's increasing paranoia, and the ways in which it impacted the citizens of Rome. ( Read more... )