Roman Urban Living – Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula

“Being an emperor is like holding a wolf by the ears”

In these summary sections looking at the Julio-Claudians’ impact on urban living in Rome, Andrew explains Augustus’ transformation of the urban environment as a result of the profits of empire; describes the ‘cordially loathed’ Tiberius as a Scrooge-like figure and assesses the impact of the collapse of the theatre at Fidenae and the Varus disaster; before concluding with the ‘nasty piece of work’ Caligula’s inheritance and the impact of his spending spree. 

Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College.