Lucius Verus and the Roman Defence of the East

Marcus Aurelius first action as Roman Emperor was to appoint his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, as his co-emperor, even though he is often depicted as a wastrel. The author analyses why Verus succeeded against the Parthians where other emperors, before and after him, failed Lucius Verus is one of the least regarded Roman emperors, despite the fact that he was co-ruler with his adoptive brother Marcus Aurelius for nine years until his untimely death. The later sources were strangely hostile to him and modern writers tend to dismiss him, but contemporary writings shine a more favourable light on his accomplishments. His handling of military affairs, particularly the conflict with Parthia after their invasions of Armenia and Syria, deserves a new consideration in the light of a careful reassessment of all the available source material. This volume looks at the upbringing of the boy who lost two fathers, acquired a brother, had his name changed twice, became a general overnight, and commanded the army that defeated one of Rome's greatest foes in the 2nd century AD. His rise to power is placed in the context of Rome's campaigns in the East and the part played by all - from the ordinary soldiers up to the aristocracy who commanded them - in making Lucius Verus' Parthian Wars a success "Lucius Verus is one of the least regarded Roman emperors, despite the fact that he was co-ruler with his adoptive brother Marcus Aurelius for nine years until his untimely death. The later sources were strangely hostile to him and modern writers tend to dismiss him, but contemporary writings shine a more favourable light on his accomplishments. His handling of military affairs, particularly the conflict with Parthia after their invasions of Armenia and Syria, deserves a new consideration in the light of a careful reassessment of all the available source material. This volume looks at the upbringing of the boy who lost two fathers, acquired a brother, had his name changed twice, became a general overnight, and commanded the army that defeated one of Rome's greatest foes in the 2nd century AD. His rise to power is placed in the context of Rome's campaigns in the East and the part played by all from the ordinary soldiers up to the aristocracy who commanded them in making Lucius Verus Parthian Wars a success." --Publisher description HISTORY / Military / Ancient Cover 1 Book Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 List of illustrations 10 List of plates 12 Preface 14 Chapter 1: Introduction 18 Chapter 2: Sources of All Ills 28 Chapter 3: Early Life 46 Chapter 4: Rome and the East 56 Chapter 5: It’s Good to Share 78 Chapter 6: A Giant’s Bones 100 Plate section 116 Chapter 7: Triumph 124 Chapter 8: Crossing the River: Rome, the Danube, and Death 142 Chapter 9: Conclusion: Golden boy or wastrel? 152 Chapter 10: Epilogue: Marcus Aurelius in the field 158 Appendix 1: Timeline 160 Appendix 2: Redacting the Historia Augusta 162 Appendix 3: Lucius’ letters to Fronto 172 Endnotes 176 Bibliography 192 Index 208 Back Cover 223