Cawthorne Nigel. Sex Lives of the Roman Emperors

MetroBooks, 2006. — 131 p.Sex Lives of the Roman Emperors by Nigel Cawthorne is an encapsulating eye-opener to not only the sexual practices, but the blood-thirsty violence of an age of Roman emperors, who experienced little respect for human life, and exhibited little morality as we know it, on any level. With an engaging voice, and some tongue-in-cheek humor, Nigel Cawthorne takes us quickly from Augustus to Justinian with numerous jaw-dropping snapshots of debased history. Separating much of the sex and violence, and skimming quickly over politics, war, and daily life, "Sex Lives of the Roman Emperors" is an interesting read which makes one curious to inquire further into the more broadly-focused biographies and histories of the Roman Empire. Obviously, there has to be more to these rulers than what is colorfully portrayed in Cawthorne's book. One would hope. At the end of the book is a "Selected Bibliography," as well as a chronological list of the Roman emperors which would help in further inquiry. This book is an interesting and rather surprising read, much like the curiosity when voyeurs stop at the scene of a terrible accident, and a bit different from the usual nonfiction book. If you are interested in reading about the practices of insane rulers, debased sex, and bloody violence, this is the right read for you.The Romans were known to be a particular depraved when it came to sex, in fact, their sex lives are notorious. And is it any wonder? In Italy, they succeeded the Etruscans who enjoyed public nudity and generally preferred sex with boys. In the Mediterranean, the Roman Empire succeeded that of the Greeks who also had a very relaxed attitude to nudity, prostitution, homosexuality, promiscuity and the depiction of sex in the arts and religion. With no power to restrain them, the Roman emperors would indulge themselves in any way they fancied - often in the most degenerate way possible. Sex Lives of the Roman Emperors is a light-hearted yet meticulously researched look at the Ancient leaders and their sexual excesses. It will give a genuine insight into the characters of those people who have shaped our history and culture.ContentsIntroduction – The Orgiastic Origins of the Roman EmpireSex and the City
Julius Caesar
Augustus
Tiberius
Caligula
Claudius
Nero
The Year of the Four Emperors
Vespasian
Domitian
Hadrian
Marcus Aurelius
Commodus
Severus
Elagabalus
Gallienus
Carinus & Diocletian
Constantine
JustinianThe Daisy Chain
Chronological List of Roman Emperors
Selected Bibliography
Index