L. J. Trafford

L. J. Trafford is a British author and historian whose work concentrates on ancient Rome, particularly the political instability and court intrigues of the first century CE. She studied Ancient History at the University of Reading and later worked as a tour guide in the Lake District before moving to London. Her interest in Roman emperors, imperial households and everyday life has informed both her historical fiction and accessible nonfiction.

Trafford is best known for the Four Emperors series, comprising Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast. The novels follow slaves, freedpeople, courtiers and soldiers through the fall of Nero and the violent succession crisis of 69 CE, known as the Year of the Four Emperors. She has also written the nonfiction books How to Survive in Ancient Rome, Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome and Ancient Rome’s Worst Emperors, combining scholarship with humour to examine Roman society, private life and imperial misconduct.