Ten Caesars Quotes

“Octavian’s patron, Apollo, the god of reason, had defeated Antony’s patron, Hercules, the symbol of might.”
― Barry S. Strauss, Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine

“As Marcus discovered, forces beyond Rome’s control offered constant danger: pressure from migrations by barbarian peoples hundreds of miles beyond the frontier and from epidemics with distant origins, as well as from the challenge of recurrent Parthian dynastic ambitions.”
― Barry S. Strauss, Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine

“Among the tens of thousands of prisoners taken by Vespasian in Galilee was the rebel-appointed Jewish governor of the province, Joseph ben Matthias. He was destined to be brought to Rome and executed, but he found a way out. He prophesied to Vespasian that he would be emperor. When in turn the legions indeed proclaimed Vespasian emperor, Joseph was freed from his chains. Although some Romans considered Joseph a Jewish spy, Vespasian and Titus found him useful. After the war, he ended up in Rome living in the palace under their protection, became a Roman citizen named Flavius Josephus, and wrote a detailed history of the revolt that survives today.”
― Barry S. Strauss, Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine