Trajan: Optimus Princeps (Paperback)

by Julian Bennett (Author)
Key Phrases: praetorian prefect, proconsular imperium maius, actio gratiarum, First Dacian War, Moesia Superior, Lusius Quietus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'This book is certainly a valuable addition to the burgeoning collection of imperial biographies.' - David Shotter Classical Review

This book is certainly a valuable addition to the burgeoning collection of imperial biographies. - David Shotter Classical Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
"This study of Trajan is one of the most balanced and comprehensive yet to appear in English." --Religious Studies Review

"Julian Bennett is the first to attempt a full account of Trajan's career. And so his [book] . . . is of great service to Roman studies. Where Bennett's expertise lies--he is an archeologist by training--the book illuminates far more than Trajan. . . ." --Classical Journal

The emperor Trajan (A.D. 53Ü117) is one of the very few Roman emperors who, over the centuries, has always been seen in a good light. He is remembered for his expansion of the Empire, his monumental public-works projects, and his refusal to persecute the EmpireÍs Christian minority. The very substance of his glorious reputation, however, is tested by Julian Bennett in this comprehensive biography„the first since 1927 and the first ever in English. While the period as a whole is ill-served by the extant literary evidence, Bennett supplements this with a thorough examination of the contemporary archaeological and epigraphic evidence, covering every major aspect of TrajanÍs reign. Although some of his original suggestions may remain speculative, his central conclusion is that TrajanÍs contemporary reputation as Optimus Princeps seems to have been richly deserved.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press; 2nd edition (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253214351
• ISBN-13: 978-0253214355
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,828,407 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is no Coffee Table Book, May 31, 2001

By	Sean O'Brien (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

Julian Bennett's biography of Trajan goes into great detail of how the early Principate worked. Trajan's famliy's rise to power is discussed in the first few chapters. Also, the reign of the tyrant Domitian is given a good overview.

Certainly Trajan is one of the most admired rulers of the early Empire. His exploits in Dacia and Parthia are the stuff of legend. Fortunately Julian Bennett gives these campaigns full attention, but goes well beyond that to look at the workings of the Imperial government. Be warned this book is not for the novice in Roman History. The financial policies of the Empire are discussed in detail, such how the Princeps would determine how much gold and silver to put into coins. Also well documented is how the Provinces, both 'Senatorial' and 'Imperial', were governed and how the Legions higher command structures were handled, what today we would call 'corp' or 'army' command level.

If you are looking for just a history of the Dacian and Parthian wars you probably won't like the detail given the more 'mundane' aspects of Roman Imperial Government. However, if you are familiar with Roman history and want to see how the Principate worked on a more detailed and personal level this book is with out a doubt on of the best.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Biography of Trajan, June 26, 1999

By	D. A Wend (Buffalo Grove, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Trajan: Optimus Princeps (Library Binding)

The achievement of Julian Bennett cannot be overestimated. His book, the first in English, is the major source for information about Trajan. The author is long-winded at times and I found his brief examination of the evolution of the principate unnecessary but, overall, this is a book not to be missed.

Mr. Bennett's presenation of Domitian was not entirely convincing for me. He seems to accept many of the bad stories about the emperor but also mentions that his reputation was blackened during Trajan's reign. However, a good comparison is made between the two emperors in the final chapter. Trajan was a lot like Domitian in his approach to power.

I would have liked more about Nerva in the book and Trajan's relationship to his adoptive father. For me, there seems to be some friction between them. Was there a reason Trajan did not issue commemorative coins for Nerva's deification?

Mr. Bennett gives an excellent examination of Trajan's coinage and provides a perspective from an archaelogical point of view. He covers every aspect of Trajan's career. This is not lite reading but, for the most part, is absorbing and thought-provoking.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best, March 21, 2002

By	Hal A. Kramer "dgonaz" (Summerville, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews

While a rather dry read at times, this book is simply unmatched in scope when it comes to describing the reign of Trajan from his rise to power to his death. The author does an excellent job at fine details such as with his discriptions of Hadrians campaigns and the financial situation of Rome.