In Blood in the Forum, Pamela Marin offers a fresh and illuminating perspective on the complexities of the late Republic and the rise of Octavian. The book deals with how Roman politics, the desire for personal glory, and the inadequacies of the Republican system ultimately led to Caesar’s dictatorship.
Marin assigns a crucial role to Cato the Younger in the political narrative, which differs from conventional views, but allows for a clearer understanding of the allegiances of the civil war and the assassination of Caesar on the Ides of March 44 BCE. Drawing from the most recent scholarship, this engaging narrative pulls the reader into the ancient Roman world, presenting the tragedy of the Roman Republic in its true light.
"Ambitious in scope ... [provides] a fresh focal point for examining the late Republic ... The material is clearly and succinctly presented ... clear prose and logical order."- Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"Includes interesting vignettes about what being a Roman meant, aristocratic politics and competition, the role of violence in Roman politics, and so on...Summing Up: Recommended."
-J. de Luce, CHOICE, June 2010
About the Author
Dr Pamela Marin lectures in the School of Classics at University College, Dublin.
