The Roman Empire
Asimov's Roman Empire covers a fascinating age with brilliant personalities, Rome's system of laws, and its stamp on a great Eastern religion. Presented lucidly.
Following the intricate narrative of Rome's rise from a small village on the Tiber to the dominant power of the Mediterranean world recounted in "The Roman Republic", Asimov now turns his keen intellect and engaging style to the period of "The Roman Empire". This book plunges the reader into one of history's most captivating eras, recreated with Asimov's characteristic original gusto. As review statements suggest, Asimov possesses a remarkable ability to make historical subjects come alive, employing simple words, clarity, and logic to present complex material accessibly. His enthusiasm for all aspects of knowledge keeps the level of interest high, allowing him to draw on material from various fields.
In this volume, the historical narrative builds upon the foundations laid by the Republic, examining the era when Rome transitions and solidifies its position as an Empire. The book introduces a brilliant roster of personalities who shaped this age, presenting their characters and the events they fashioned with lucidity. Figures such as Augustus, who led the transition, alongside later emperors like Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Diocletian, Constantine, and others, are brought to life. Asimov explores not just the rulers, but also the underlying issues of their time.
Central to the book's exploration are Rome's great heritages. One significant heritage discussed is Rome's system of laws, which continues to affect lives even today. Another profound influence explored is the stamp Rome gave to a great Eastern religion. The narrative flows through different periods within the Empire, examining eras like the Augustan age, known for its literary figures and the patronage of the arts, and later periods marked by changing intellectual and political climates.
The book covers the evolution of philosophical thought during the Empire, touching upon schools like Epicureanism, which originated in Greece and found adherents in Rome, though its interpretation sometimes became a pretext for self-indulgence. Stoicism, another philosophy with Greek roots, is also discussed, representing a stern moral code that appealed to some Romans and gained favor under certain emperors. Asimov introduces figures associated with these philosophies, such as Seneca, a tutor to the young Nero, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius himself, a renowned Stoic philosopher.
Beyond philosophy, the book examines the intellectual life of the Empire, including significant writers and historians. We encounter poets like Vergil, known for his epic "Aeneid" supposedly begun at Augustus's request, and Ovid, whose poems about love proved controversial. The historian Livy's monumental history of Rome is discussed, noting its popularity and the challenges of relying on surviving portions. Later historians like Tacitus and Suetonius also feature, providing perspectives on the emperors and the times, though their biases are noted. The work of Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, who chronicled the Jewish War and the history of the Jews, provides another vital perspective from within the Empire. Science and engineering are also covered, with mentions of figures like Pliny the Elder, known for his wide-ranging "Natural History", Frontinus, who described Roman aqueducts, and Hero of Alexandria, an ingenious inventor.
The narrative also explores the rise and spread of Christianity within the Empire, noting its initial status as a minor cult and the varying attitudes towards it, from periods of toleration to times of persecution. Key figures in the development of Christian thought, often referred to as Church Fathers, are discussed, including Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian. The book touches upon Christianity's increasing influence and its interactions with the state and existing pagan traditions. It also covers the emergence of monasticism as a way of life for some Christians, particularly in the Egyptian desert.
The story of the Empire is also one of constant interaction with peoples beyond its borders and challenges from within. The book addresses military matters, including campaigns against groups like the Parthians and various barbarian tribes, such as the Germans, Huns, and Vandals. Internal dynamics, including the relationship between emperors and the Senate, the role of the military, and periods of instability or crisis, are woven into the account. Significant events such as the sacking of Rome by external forces are covered, noting their impact on the city's prestige.
Asimov's book chronicles the complex journey of the Roman Empire through centuries of change, adaptation, triumphs, and challenges. It continues the historical narrative begun in "The Roman Republic," detailing the lives of those who shaped the Empire and the forces that influenced its path. By presenting the characters and events lucidly, and exploring the underlying issues, the book offers an insightful look into a period that profoundly influenced the course of history, setting the stage for future developments that would emerge from the Roman world's long and impactful existence. It's a fascinating account that, like Asimov's other historical works, aims to make the past accessible and engaging for the reader.
