Ancient Rome: Discovering Lost Stories from Roman History (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781953934352)

Ancient Rome: Hidden Lives Behind the Legends

Did you know that Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome, was terrified of thunderstorms? This fear began in 26 BCE during his campaign in Spain. One day, after hearing a loud clap of thunder, Augustus saw a man near him get struck by lightning, leaving him shaken for life. From then on, Augustus believed he needed protection from the Roman god of lightning, Jupiter, and carried amulets and a seal skin everywhere he went.

This book brings you the lesser-known moments that shaped Rome's history. It doesn't just focus on the powerful emperors; it also examines the people who worked behind the scenes and shaped the empire in their own way. From Julius Caesar's personal worries to the mystery of the missing Ninth Legion, these stories reveal the real lives behind the famous Roman names.

Here's what you'll find inside:

• • Caesar's pirate adventure: How a young Julius Caesar was kidnapped and held for ransom by pirates.
  • Agrippina the Younger's power plays: How Agrippina carefully worked her way to the top in a dangerous political world.
  • Eunus, the slave who saw the future: The story of a slave who led a rebellion and claimed he could tell prophecies.
  • The secret cult of Mithras: Discover the strange and hidden religion that fascinated many Romans.
  • Caligula's wild rule: The eccentric and dangerous behavior of an emperor who eventually went too far.
  • Claudius's surprise rise to power: How a man with a stutter and little respect became emperor of Rome.
  • The failed plot to kill Nero: Learn about the plan to take down one of Rome's most infamous emperors.
  • Gladiator battles: What types of fighters clashed in the brutal Roman games?
  • Justinian's silk smuggling: How Emperor Justinian secretly brought silkworms to Rome and changed its economy.
  • And much, much more!

Ready to explore the hidden history of one of the greatest empires?