A powerful and graphic text making readers feel involved and 'being there', and based on deep academic research in original and secondary sources. A revisionist history casting vivid light on emperors, cronies, families, rivals, revealing murder, conspiracy, betrayal - almost all known 'sins' - and in the context of survival and foundation of the Roman Empire, East and West. The great names are portrayed with triumphs and failures. Hadrian's indiffereant record including Britain, Commodious 'philosopher king' and linked to Prince Albert in the 19th century, Constantine the Great and Christian empire of East and West, Julian's 'apostacy' and pagan revival resisted, and finally the Goths and the Christian empire.