The Gallic Empire: Rome’s Fragmented West
When we think of the Roman Empire, we imagine a monolithic power stretching from Britain to Egypt. But in the 3rd century AD, Rome fractured. One of the most remarkable breakaway states was the [...]
Personal Reflections: Why I Chose Gallienus’ Era
When I tell people I write novels set in the 3rd century AD, I often get puzzled looks. Why not Julius Caesar? Why not Augustus, or Constantine, or the fall of Rome in the 5th century? Those [...]
The Barbarian Invasions of the 3rd Century
When most people think of Rome’s enemies, they picture the final fall in the 5th century — Vandals in North Africa, Goths at the gates of Rome. But the 3rd century AD was already a testing ground [...]
Daily Life in 3rd Century Rome
When people imagine ancient Rome, they often picture marble temples, gladiators fighting in the Colosseum, and senators in spotless togas. But by the 3rd century AD, daily life in the empire was [...]
