A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women

Discover Rome from a fresh perspective - audaciously unconventional, delightfully mischievous, and unabashedly feminine. Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den, hails it as 'Hugely entertaining and illuminating'. This WATERSTONES BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023 offers a radical departure from the traditional Roman narrative.

Forget the well-trodden path of Roman history, with its predictable progression from Romulus's fratricide to Brutus's rebellion, followed by an interminable list of battles, generals, and consuls. Bid farewell to the political intrigue of the late Republic, the infamous 'Et tu, Brute?', and the parade of emperors punctuated by cautionary tales of disobedient women. Let's discard the notion that Constantine's Christianity was Rome's saviour, only for Attila the Hun to play spoilsport.

Emma Southon invites you to explore an alternative chronicle of Rome and its empire, one that transcends these so-called 'Important Things'. Her narrative breathes life into the stories of Vestal Virgins and courtesans, entrepreneurs and poets, empresses and saints.

Uncover the tale of Hispala Faecenia, a resourceful sex worker who exposed a treasonous plot involving human sacrifice and Bacchanalian revelries so scandalous they'd make Donna Tartt blush, emerging as an unlikely Roman heroine.

Step into the House of Julia Felix and meet Pompeii's most astute businesswoman and restaurateur. Savour an array of locally sourced delicacies while admiring the picturesque view of Mount Vesuvius. What could possibly go awry?

Lastly, acquaint yourself with the incomparable Septimia Zenobia who, after witnessing a succession of inept and psychopathic emperors nearly destroy the Empire, took matters into her own hands. She declared herself Empress, commandeered half the Roman Empire, and governed it herself - a course of action any of us might consider under similar circumstances.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780861548323
Book Author:	Emma Southon
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Oneworld Publications
Book Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Book Dimensions:	129 x 197 x 32 cm
Book Publication Date:	2024-04-07
Book Pagination:	416 pages
Book Weight:	362g