Top 5 on the early empire

[Ursus]

Sons of Caesar by Phillip Matyszak

Phillip Matyszak offers a fresh look at Rome's first imperial family, from Julius Caesar to Nero. Matyszak is willing to step outside the biases of the primary sources and offer a slight revision of certain figures such as Caligula. Written in clear prose, with elucidating charts of the convoluted dynastic family tree, and plenty of quotes from the primary sources.

 

Roman Empire by Colin Wells

Wells offers a general study of the empire from Augustus to Caracalla. He alternates between the happenings of the imperial court at Rome and wider socio-economic developments in the provinces. Wells illustrates that the early empire was very much a partnership between the imperial center and the local elites. Informative and easy to understand.

 

Augustan Culture by Karl Galinsky

If you can get through the at times long-winded academic prose, you will be well rewarded. Galinsky is one of the world's foremost experts on the Augustan age. He views Augustus through the terms of a greater Mediterranean social and cultural evolution. An informative survey of politics, culture, and the interplay between them.

 

Roman Life by John R. Clarke

Clarke offers a brilliant and entertaining study of Roman daily life. Focusing on art and archaeology, the mentality and experiences of various sectors of Roman society come to life through exquisite photographs and illustrations. A joy to read.

 

The Golden Ass by Apuleius

To round out our survey we need some literature. "The Golden Ass" has the disctinction of being the only complete novel from Rome to survive, but it is hard to think of a more worthy tome to leave to posterity. Both profoundly spiritual and humorously bawdy, this tale is one of the greater works of Greco-Roman mythology. (Many would probably expect me to recommend Virgil's "Aeneid" , but "The Golden Ass" is a the better read of the two. Besides, Galinsky touches on the "Aeneid" in his book).