The first two centuries of the Christian era were largely a period of consolidation for the Roman Empire. However, the history of the heyday of Roman "imperium" is far from dull, for Augustus successors ranged from capable administrators - Tiberius, Claudius and Hadrian - to near-madmen like Caligula and the amateur gladiator Commodus, who might have wrecked the system but for its inherent strength.

Albino Garzetti s classic "From Tiberius to the Antonines," first published" "in 1960, presents a definitive account of this fascinating period, which combines a clear and readable narrative...

The first two centuries of the Christian era were largely a period of consolidation for the Roman Empire. However, the history of the heyday of Roman imperium is far from dull, for Augustus' successors ranged from capable administrators - Tiberius, Claudius and Hadrian - to near-madmen like Caligula and the amateur gladiator Commodus, who might have wrecked the system but for its inherent strength.

Albino Garzetti's classic From Tiberius to the Antonines, first published in 1960, presents a definitive account of this fascinating period, which combines a clear...