Wow! eBook
Claudius
Author(s): Barbara Levick (Author)
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: 5 May 1993
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 292 pages
- ISBN-10: 9780415166195
- ISBN-13: 9780415166195
Book Description
Claudius became emperor after the assassination of Caligula, and was deified by his successor Nero in AD 54. Opinions of him have varied greatly over succeeding centuries, but he has mostly been caricatured as a reluctant emperor, hampered by a speech impediment, who preferred reading to ruling. Barbara Levick’s authoritative study reassesses the reign of Claudius, examining his political objectives and activities within the constitutional, political, social and economic development of Rome. Out of Levick’s critical scrutiny of the literary, archaeological and epigraphic sources emerges a different Claudius – an intelligent politician, ruthlessly determined to secure his position as ruler. A history of political and domestic intrigue, as well as an investigation into the development and limits of imperial power, this study is essential reading for historians of the Roman Empire.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘This study, with its balanced judgementis well organised, well argued and well written.’ – The Classical Review
‘Barbara Levick succeeds in [her] task admirably.’ – Times Literary Supplement
‘It must rank as one of the best studies of the Julio-Claudians This book will probably remain the best treatment of Julio-Claudian government for a long time to come.’ – David Potter, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
‘A must read, – Claudius has force and wit.’
‘A biography and much more … this stimulating book is the best we have on Claudius and among the best current treatments of any Roman emperor.’ – Ronald Mellor, American Historical Review
About the Author
Barbara Levick was Fellow and Tutor in Classics at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford, and Lecturer in Ancient History in the University of Oxford, until her retirement.
