by Tacitus
ISBN: 0-141-02686-3
First published: 116 AD
This edition first published: 1956
Translated by Michael Grant
135 pages
Publisher: www.pengunclassics.com
Cover design: Estuary English
5/5 Stars
A brilliant and somewhat frightening account of the reign of Emperor Nero of the Roman Empire.
Tacitus describes in detail those who Nero wanted to do away with. They were persuaded to drink poison and end their lives. So many were involved that at one point it becomes a list. Surrounded by loved one friends, family, slaves, and servants, they would await the dreaded knock at the door. Escape was not an option, there was nowhere to hide and nowhere to run. Any attempt to escape would be met by torture, and by the additional death of their loved ones. A terrible choice.
Chapters included are,
- The Murder of Emperor Claudius
- The Fall of Agrippina
- Nero and His Helpers
- The Burning of Rome
- The Plot
- Innocent Victims
The book ends and Nero is still in power, Rome having burnt, and his victims being killed in a widespread purge the cruelty of which Rome had never seen before.
The Eclectic Book Review 