Caesar Rules: The Emperor in the Changing Roman World (c. 50 BC - AD 565)

Roman emperors had ultimate power but no official title or defined role, leading to varying expectations and adaptations over time. The empire's stability was influenced by social developments like Christianity and Constantinople.

Format: Hardback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

For centuries, Roman emperors presided over a vast empire, yet the emperor himself was a mysterious figure. Officially, there was no clear understanding of his titles, portrayal, duties, or succession process. However, it was widely accepted that the emperor wielded ultimate power over the empire. While expectations about the emperor varied across the empire and evolved over time, one thing remained constant: the belief that he held the key to its success.

These expectations were shaped by various factors, including cultural norms, political developments, and religious beliefs. In the early days of the Roman Empire, emperors were expected to be military leaders and patrons of the arts. They were required to maintain order, protect the borders, and ensure the prosperity of the empire. Over time, these expectations expanded to include administrative responsibilities and the promotion of social welfare.

Despite these evolving expectations, emperors had considerable leeway to deviate from prevailing norms. They could exercise their power in different ways, depending on the circumstances and their personal preferences. Some emperors were known for their benevolence and generosity, while others were ruthless and tyrannical. The rise of Christianity, for example, had a significant impact on the role of the emperor. While some emperors embraced the new religion and sought to promote it, others persecuted its followers.

The choice of Constantinople as the new capital also played a crucial role in the exercise of imperial power. Situated on the Bosporus Strait, Constantinople provided a strategic location for the Roman Empire and facilitated trade and communication with the East. It also became a center of Christian worship and a symbol of the empire's power and influence.

In conclusion, the Roman Empire was a complex and dynamic society, and the role of the emperor was central to its success. While expectations about the emperor varied throughout the empire and evolved over time, his ultimate power remained a constant. This book explores the surprising stability of the Roman Empire over more than six centuries of history, examining the development of expectations and the ways in which emperors exercised their rule in response to changing circumstances.

Weight: 924g
Dimension: 179 x 254 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009226790