69 AD
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Review
Morgan's book is a fresh and accessible look at a period that has been discussed, with sometimes horrible fascination, since antiquity itself. (Martin Empson, Times Literary Supplement )
This is a magisterial performance. Given the solid scholarship that underlies the performance - and Morgan's articles are models of their kind - one realizes that the presentation is meant to clarify, not evade. (Cynthia Damon, Classical Journal )
This is a magisterial performance. Given the solid scholarship that underlies the performance - and Morgan's articles are models of their kind - one realizes that the presentation is meant to clarify, not evade. (Cynthia Damon, Classical Journal )
Publisher's Weekly
"A superb portrait of this enigmatic and intriguing year."
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
I wanted to know more about the year of the 4 emperors. This is a really useful book because it's not too long or wordy but it gives you enough info about what was going on and the characters involved. Recommended for anyone doing research into this period.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Well written, a clear and easy read. Lot of information and detail but not dull or boring - very enlightening
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
14 reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Interesting Topic
18 May 2006
Format:Hardcover
69 A.D.: The Year of Four Emperors is a very interesting book on a topic I knew very little about, though I've read books on other periods in Roman history. Professor Morgan's book is strong on analysis as he compares and contrasts the ancient sources, i.e. Tacitus, Plutarch, Dio, Seutonious, Josephus and the so called Common Source. Morgan also begins by mentioning the other books written on this period and what their strengths and weaknesses were.
The historical period in question begins with the reign of Nero and his suicide in 68 A.D. Nero's death marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and ushered in a brief period of usurpations starting with Galba, followed by Otho, then Vitellius and finally Vespasian who ushered in the Flavian dysnasty that would rule for over 25 years. We get glimpses of these four individuals, how they achieved the highest office in Rome, and what roles their supporters and opponents played, including the legions, various generals and other members of Roman society.
This was a very unsettled time in Rome's history (to say the least), but Morgan doesn't give it the impression of threatening the empire's survival. There are many brutal acts committed including those against some of the usurpers, one emperor's supporters against another would-be emperor's supporters, and Roman citizens in various locations, including Cremona and Rome itself. No one really comes off looking that good throughout this period of instability. I still felt the information was too sketchy on many points, which I guess shouldn't be surprising considering how long ago this was and the limited historical evidence.
Morgan is good in pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the ancient sources for this period, especially concerning Tacitus. As any student of history mustn't forget, those who write history often have their own agendas or biases, as Morgan discusses. The methods for writing and stylistic approaches were often very important for these early writers as well. The appendices at the end are very helpful. There are a few maps in this book, though I would have liked a few more.
Overall, this is an informative book written by an expert who knows his subject matter. I wish I could comment more intelligently on some of his interpretations, which could be open for debate I feel. This of course has a lot to do with the ancient sources and figuring out whose versions are more accurate. The views on Galba and Otho for example are discussed in one of the appendices to show some of these conflicting opinions. In terms of readability, I had to slow down more often for this book, partly due to my own lack of knowledge of this particular period in Rome's history. A good book.
The historical period in question begins with the reign of Nero and his suicide in 68 A.D. Nero's death marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and ushered in a brief period of usurpations starting with Galba, followed by Otho, then Vitellius and finally Vespasian who ushered in the Flavian dysnasty that would rule for over 25 years. We get glimpses of these four individuals, how they achieved the highest office in Rome, and what roles their supporters and opponents played, including the legions, various generals and other members of Roman society.
This was a very unsettled time in Rome's history (to say the least), but Morgan doesn't give it the impression of threatening the empire's survival. There are many brutal acts committed including those against some of the usurpers, one emperor's supporters against another would-be emperor's supporters, and Roman citizens in various locations, including Cremona and Rome itself. No one really comes off looking that good throughout this period of instability. I still felt the information was too sketchy on many points, which I guess shouldn't be surprising considering how long ago this was and the limited historical evidence.
Morgan is good in pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the ancient sources for this period, especially concerning Tacitus. As any student of history mustn't forget, those who write history often have their own agendas or biases, as Morgan discusses. The methods for writing and stylistic approaches were often very important for these early writers as well. The appendices at the end are very helpful. There are a few maps in this book, though I would have liked a few more.
Overall, this is an informative book written by an expert who knows his subject matter. I wish I could comment more intelligently on some of his interpretations, which could be open for debate I feel. This of course has a lot to do with the ancient sources and figuring out whose versions are more accurate. The views on Galba and Otho for example are discussed in one of the appendices to show some of these conflicting opinions. In terms of readability, I had to slow down more often for this book, partly due to my own lack of knowledge of this particular period in Rome's history. A good book.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Civil war in Rome
29 Dec 2005
Format:Hardcover
This is a well-written book that details the important year of 69 A.D., when the Roman Empire was ruled by four different men. It combines several of the ancient sources, particularly that of Tacitus, but does not accept them blindly. The author points out where the sources disagree, and even shows where what the sources wrote could not be necessarily correct. It is an exciting tale, and one that will keep the pages turning for the reader, even though he knows the ultimate outcome.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Thoughtful history
8 Feb 2006
Format:Hardcover
I thoroughly enjoyed 69 AD, just as I enjoyed Professor Morgan's Roman history courses at the University of Texas. As in his class, Professor Morgan looks critically at all the sources, applies a vast knowledge of the period and his own common sense, and makes a sound judgment of the people and events. The book is detailed, well-written, and a welcome analysis of this little-understood period in the Roman Empire.
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