A compelling new account of the tempestuous last century of the Roman Republic.
This new history of the last years of the Roman Republic sets the leading men, and women, in the complex social and political system of the time, to provide a full context to the historical events and epic battles of the 1st century BC. Scholar Natale Barca examines the actions not only of the leading actors of the political process but also to those with a smaller role - history is not just made up of great individuals. To understand the end of the Roman Republic it is necessary to also examine the key figures' relationship with family and friends - essential relationships in an era where ties and interactions between individuals, families, and clans constantly shaped the political process, and thus the Roman state.
This account also attempts to decolonize this history - liberating it from a Romano-centric perspective and restoring it to indigenous populations. The history of a subjugated people does not begin with their conquest, and the Roman conquest was basically a predatory practice, although it cannot be denied Roman domination did - in some territories - lead to a transformation of the vanquished into friends and allies, and then to Roman citizens, with all that this could entail in terms of social integration. This wide-ranging narrative, examining both the actions of key individuals and the experience of subjugated populations, provides a new insight into this most important and turbulent era of Roman history.
About the Author
Natale Barca was Visiting Scholar Researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and Academic Visitor at the University of London's Institute of Classical Studies. He is a member of the Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies (Roman Society), London. He has previously published numerous books in his native Italian, and in English. His latest publications are focused on the history and archaeology of ancient cities of the Mediterranean. For Oxbow Books, he published in 2022 Roman Aquileia: The Impenetrable City-Fortress, a Sentry of the Alps.
Industry Reviews
"The chronological arrangement, the narrative structure, and the focus on the big personalities all seem devised to make the book a fast-paced, engaging read."
-- "Journal of Military History"
"Before Augustus offers an excellent amalgamation of events and analysis of political motives and moves before Octavian took charge. Enjoyed it."-- "Historical Miniatures Gaming Society"
"...like a compelling novel, [Before Augustus] is dense, clear, well documented. Barca, writing with the historical present, talks about everything: political intrigues, wars, big companies, political assassinations, consuls, the Senate, popular assemblies." (trans.)--SFOGLIA ROMA
"[A] must-read for anyone interested in ancient history... Barca masterfully weaves together military, political, and social aspects, analyzing the actions of the key figures and the epic battles that ensued. Before Augustus is an excellent addition to the study of Roman history and a highly recommended read."-- "Books World"
"[A] seminal study drawing upon both ancient sources and on contemporary literature. [Before Augustus] is an impressively presented, extraordinarily informative, and exceptionally detailed and documented account of the tempestuous last century of the Roman Republic before it became fully transformed into the Roman Empire. Strong recommended..."-- "Midwest Book Review"
