Throne of the Caesars

by Harry Sidebottom 3 books in this series

The Throne of the Caesars trilogy follows the collapse of the Severan settlement and the political violence that carried Rome from the murder of Severus Alexander in AD 235 to the Year of the Six Emperors in 238. Its viewpoint moves among emperors, soldiers, senators, provincial officials and families whose survival depends on choosing the right allegiance before the balance of power changes again.

The three novels combine military campaigning with imperial politics. Maximinus Thrax’s rise, the African revolt of the Gordians, senatorial resistance and the Siege of Aquileia form a continuous narrative about an empire in which the army can create an emperor but cannot guarantee his legitimacy or survival.

Reading order

Books in this series (3 books)

#1 – Iron and Rust

Harry Sidebottom

In AD 235 the emperor Severus Alexander and his mother, Julia Mamaea, are murdered by soldiers on the Rhine. The army raises Maximinus Thrax in their place, giving the empire a ruler whose authority rests on military success rather than senatorial acceptance or dynastic legitimacy. The…

Amazon World of Books

#2 – Blood and Steel

Harry Sidebottom

In AD 238 opposition to Maximinus Thrax turns into open revolt. Landowners and officials in Roman Africa proclaim the elderly Gordian I and his son Gordian II as emperors, forcing the Senate to decide whether to support them or submit to the soldier-emperor marching towards Italy.…

Amazon World of Books

#3 – Fire and Sword

Harry Sidebottom

The struggle for Rome continues through the violent final stages of AD 238. After the defeat of the Gordians, the Senate appoints Pupienus and Balbinus, while Maximinus Thrax advances into Italy and the young Gordian III becomes the focus of popular and dynastic hopes. At Aquileia,…

Amazon World of Books