The Severans: The Changed Roman Empire

The Severans analyses the colourful decline of the Roman Empire during the reign of the Severans, the first non-Italian dynasty. In his learned and exciting style, Michael Grant describes the foreign wars waged against the Alemanni and the Persians, and the remarkable personalities of the imperial family. Thus the reader encounters Julia Domna's alleged literary circle, or Elagabalus' curious private life - which included dancing in the streets, marrying a vestal virgin and smothering his enemies with rose petals.
With its beautifully selected plate section, maps and extensive bibliography, this book will appeal to the student of ancient history as well as to the general reader.
Michael Grant is one of the world's greatest writers on ancient history. His previous publications include: Art in the Roman Empire, Greek and Roman Historians and Who's Who in Classical Mythology all published by Routledge.

From one of the world's greatest writers on ancient history--a new work that explores the colorful decline of the Roman Empire during the reign of the Severans, the first non-Italian dynasty, whose reign extends through nine emperors, from 193 to 235 C.E, from Septimius Severus to Severus Alexander, and including the reigns of Caracalla and Elagabalus.

Using the highly praised, accessible style that is his trademark, Michael Grant describes the foreign wars waged against the Alemanni and the Persians; the remarkable personalities of the imperial family; the unprecedented role of women and lawyers; as well as the major developments in art, architecture, the novel and religion during this era. Highlights of The Severans include encounters with Julia Domna's alleged literary circle and Elagablus's curious private life (exemplified by acts such as dancing in the streets, marrying a Vestal Virgin, and smothering his enemies with rose petals).

With its extensive selection of illustrations, maps, and extensive bibliography, The Severans will appeal to the student of ancient history as well as to all generally-interested readers of classical history.

Booknews

Describes and analyzes the colorful decline of the Roman empire during the reign of the Severans, the first non-Italian dynasty, in an entertaining and accessible style. Looks at foreign wars waged against the Alemanni and the Persians, and the personalities of the imperial family. Includes b&w illustrations. For students of ancient history and general readers. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Michael Grant is the cocreator and cowriter of the bestselling middle-grade science fiction series Animorphs and Everworld. He lives in California with his wife, Katherine Applegate, and their two children.