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Seven Great Books About Roman Imperial Women

Seven Great Books About Roman Imperial Women

Though men have traditionally been centered in histories of ancient Rome, a number of recent historians have shone much-needed light on the…
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Rome’s Philosopher Empress: Julia Domna

Rome’s Philosopher Empress: Julia Domna

The wife of Septimius Severus is an example of how much power women could wield in the Roman Empire.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
The Scandal of Messalina

The Scandal of Messalina

The third wife of the emperor Claudius was infamous for her sexual depravity, but beneath the ancient rumors there are traces of a woman…
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
The Tragedy of Julia the Elder

The Tragedy of Julia the Elder

Augustus’ only child was a rebellious woman who had the misfortune to be born at the wrong time and into the wrong family.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Seven Arthurian Tellings that Emphasize History Rather than Fantasy

Seven Arthurian Tellings that Emphasize History Rather than Fantasy

A number of notable King Arthur adaptations have focused less on the magical and more on the reality of Late Antique Britain.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Book Review: “The Herods: Murder Politics, and the Art of Succession”

Book Review: “The Herods: Murder Politics, and the Art of Succession”

Bruce Chilton’s new book sheds fascinating light on one of history’s most notorious dynasties.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Reading History: “The Grove of the Caesars”

Reading History: “The Grove of the Caesars”

Lindsey Davis manages to deftly weave together historical fiction and murder mystery in another of her delightful books.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
“The Last Duel” and the Subversion of Epic Heroism

“The Last Duel” and the Subversion of Epic Heroism

Ridley Scott’s newest film is, in many ways, a critique of his earlier epics, including and especially Gladiator.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Book Review: “The Tragedy of Empire: From Constantine to the Destruction of Roman Italy”

Book Review: “The Tragedy of Empire: From Constantine to the Destruction of Roman Italy”

As he did in The Triumph of Empire, Michael Kulikowski provides a fascinating narrative history of the decline of the Roman Empire.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Reading History: “I, Claudius”

Reading History: “I, Claudius”

Robert Graves’ classic novel gives readers a soapy portrait of Rome’s first imperial dynasty.
Go to the profile of Dr. Thomas J. West III
Dr. Thomas J. West III
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