TOW #11: Dark History of Roman Emperors: From Julius Caesar to the Fall of Rome by Michael Kerrigan

For someone who nurtures a great passion for history, Dark History of the Roman Emperors: From Julius Caesar to the Fall of Rome by Michael Kerrigan is an extremely compelling read. The content of the book is essentially covered in its title. Kerrigan covers the life and times of each legendary emperor of Ancient Rome starting from the very beginning and proceeding with great detail. The information that the author uncovers pertaining to the goings-on of Ancient Rome in this book is shocking by any measure. Kerrigan reveals the outrageous mental instability of many fabled rulers and power-seeking ancient families, bred by a longstanding tendency towards incestuous marriages and parental neglect. From a modern-day standpoint, the inner scandals of Ancient Rome seem all the more despicable and often inhumane. Author Michael Kerrigan does a thorough job throughout the first half of this book in his coverage of such storied historical figures as the emperor Caligula and Julius Caesar. Mr. Kerrigan has covered numerous historical periods at great length and is well established as an author, having published more than a dozen books (many exclusively focusing on Ancient Rome).

            After reading roughly half of this book, one recurring theme stands out clearly from all authors. Kerrigan’s purpose in covering the history of Ancient Roman emperors in the manner that he does in this book is to impress upon his audience of modern-day American readers the dangers of having power. Emperors who clearly used every bit of their limitless power such as Caligula and Domitian are portrayed as overwhelmingly sadistic and evil, while more moderate rulers such as Vespasian are shown in a more kind and generous light. The author purposefully includes many short anecdotes detailing a specific and shocking abuse of power, such as the usage of the elderly and handicapped in gladiator battles by Domitian, to appeal to his audience’s emotions. By the end of the first half of the book I would say without hesitation that Kerrigan has been successful so far. The disgusting abuses of power that he details in anecdotes of emperors’ lives have definitely made me consider the extreme responsibility that comes with having power.