GAIUS MARIUS: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Saviour

Gaius Marius was one of the most remarkable and significant figures of the late Roman Republic. At a time when power tended to be restricted to a clique of influential families, he rose from relatively humble origins to attain the top office of consul. He even went on to hold the post an unprecedented seven times. His political career flourished but was primarily built on military success. First serving in the Numantine War in Spain, he later rose to high command and brought a long-running war in North Africa to a successful conclusion, bringing the Numidian King Jurgurtha back in chains. His return was timely as northern barbarian tribes threatened Italy and had previously defeated several Roman armies. Marius reformed and retrained the Republic's forces and decisively defeated the invaders that had easily overpowered his predecessors.

Marius' subsequent career was primarily that of an elder statesman, but it was dominated by his rivalry with his erstwhile subordinate, Sulla, which ultimately led to the latter's bloody coup. Marius, once hailed as the saviour of Rome, eventually became a desperate fugitive, literally fleeing for his life from his pursuers. However, after several harrowing brushes with death, Marius seized an opportunity to return to Rome and mete out justice to his enemies, which tarnished his once-enviable reputation.

ROMULUS: The Legend of Rome's Founding Father

GAIUS MARIUS: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Saviour

According to legend, Romulus was born to a Vestal Virgin and left for dead as an infant near the Tiber River. His life nearly ended as quickly as it began, but fate had other plans. A humble shepherd rescued the child and helped raise him into manhood. As Romulus grew older, he fearlessly engaged in a series of perilous adventures that ultimately culminated in Rome’s founding, and he became its fabled first king.

Establishing a new city had its price, and Romulus was forced to defend the nascent community. As he tirelessly safeguarded Rome, Romulus proved that he was a competent leader and talented general. Yet, he also harbored a dark side, which reared its head in many ways and tainted his legacy, but despite all of his misdeeds, redemption and subsequent triumphs were usually within his grasp. Indeed, he is an example of how greatness is sometimes born of disgrace.

Regardless of his foreboding flaws, Rome allegedly existed because of him and became massively successful. As the centuries passed, the Romans never forgot their celebrated founder.

This is the story that many ancient Romans believed.

MARCUS FURIUS CAMILLUS: The Life of Rome's Second Founder

Camillus served as a censor, was elected to six consular tribuneships, appointed dictator five times, and enjoyed four triumphs. He toppled mighty Veii, ejected the Senones from Rome following its sacking, and helped orchestrate a grand compromise between the patricians and plebeians. The Romans even considered him Rome’s second founder – a proud appellation for any Roman – and revered him for being an exemplar of Roman virtue. Interestingly, he never held the consulship. Plutarch stated that Camillus had avoided it on purpose, and for good reason. The office was often at the heart of controversy, given that patricians dominated it for most of Camillus’ life.

The appointment of a dictator was an emergency measure taken only in the direst of situations and the fact that Camillus was repeatedly appointed speaks of a period when the young Republic was surrounded by enemies and still fighting for survival. Without Camillus’ efforts the city may never have fulfilled its great destiny. Marc Hyden sifts the fragmentary and contradictory sources and, while acknowledging that much legend and exaggeration quickly accrued around Camillus’ name, presents the story of this remarkable life as the ancient Romans knew it.

EMPEROR TITUS: The Right Hand of Vespasian

MARCUS FURIUS CAMILLUS: The Life of Rome's Second Founder

Emperor, general, and Vespasian's right hand, Titus Flavius Vespasianus (better known as simply Titus) was remembered by the Romans as a leader to be celebrated and a deity to be worshiped. While he was not without fault--having committed numerous egregious transgressions--his life and achievements are undeniably impressive. He survived imperial turnover, lived through the great fire of Rome, presided over the empire as Vesuvius destroyed numerous cities and plague ravaged his homeland, and hosted Rome's vaunted 100-days of games.

This book draws on the scant historical sources, the archaeological record, and modern academic commentary to present the most comprehensive available account of Titus' life. Long neglected by historians, Titus' significant role in Roman history is presented here in the fullest detail. Hero or villain, there are few pivotal historical figures like Titus who straddled more momentous history and whose effects are still felt today.

Praise for Gaius Marius

From Ancient Origins

"The book follows the very detailed life of Marius, through his every documented exploit in both the Republic and on the battlefield, protecting Rome from some of its most threatening enemies bordering its empire. Even after his death, the book continues with the story that immediately follows and the legacy Marius left behind to influence that history." ... "I was very impressed with Hyden’s attention to detail. He has done a wonderful job in putting this topic to words. Through his words, the reader is able to visualize a lot of the content within [...] this was an excellent book depicting an excellent historical figure. I highly recommend it."

From Choice

“Hyden does a masterful job of tracing Marius’s rise to power through his successful military campaigns… Summing Up: Recommended. Most levels/libraries.”

From History of War

"Hyden has done an impressive job of staying open minded about his subject, a rare achievement in biographies of figures from this period. His conclusion makes it clear that he sees Marius as a flawed figure, operating in a flawed system, but also unlucky in that he survived just long enough to tarnish his own reputation with the brutality of the last period of his life."

From HistoryNet

"Marc Hyden has given us the best extant account of Gaius Marius’ leading role in the history of late Roman Republic. It is required reading for those interested in the period and highly recommended for the general reader."

Praise for Romulus

From Ancient Origins

"This is not your typical research novel. It recounts a tale of epic proportions. However, the accounts written of its main protagonist do not stem from a single source. From Cicero to Pliny, Plutarch, Vergil and many more, Hyden relies on the ancient authors themselves to get as close to the source of the events as possible. And when there is doubt or a need to confirm any aspects to the narrative, the author provides the archaeological evidence."

"...I immensely enjoyed reading Romulus and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in either Roman history or general Greco-Roman mythology."

From Roman History Blog

"This is a splendid book and very informative. The author, Marc Hyden has done his research and presented different narratives to recreate this interesting time period of which we see the first legendary King of Rome elevated to power, which the Romans believed in. If you are passionate about the Romans and classics then this book is a must have edition for your library! Its really is an inspiring read!"

From Booklist

“Hyden leans into a tone reminiscent of a bard regaling those around a campfire with stories of a hero’s great exploits… [It provides] a fascinating origin story.”

From Midwest Book Review

“As inherently fascinating a read as it is an impressive work of meticulous scholarship, historian Marc Hyden's "Romulus: The Legend of Rome's Founding Father" is a truly extraordinary, expressly informative, and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Roman History & Culture collections and supplemental curriculum studies reading lists.”

Praise for CAMILLUS

From Roman History Blog

“Marcus Furius Camillus: The Life of Rome's Second Founder is very informative, painstakingly researched and extremely well written. Camillus will fascinate the reader about one of Rome's lesser known heroes which many historians often overlook. This is a must read!”

From "Digging Up The Past"

"A fascinating look into the life of one of ancient Rome's most influential and important figures. Marcus Furius Camillus tells an almost forgotten story [...] of a pious and dedicated man who put the needs of Rome and its people before his own."

From Lawrence W. Reed, president emeritus, Foundation for Economic Education

"As he has done so well before, historian Marc Hyden sheds light on a legend and makes the subject as alive and real as the passage of time allows."

Praise for titus

From Lawrence W. Reed, president emeritus, Foundation for Economic Education

“Hyden’s account of the Roman-Jewish War of the First Century will stun every reader with the scale of bloodshed and destruction. It ultimately paved the way for the short emperorship of Titus, but at an almost unimaginable cost. Hyden’s new book is a tour de force through the short, tumultuous life of this unforgettable Roman, and it is history-telling that will rattle you to the core. Bravo!”

From "Digging Up The Past"

“Marc Hyden is a master at weaving multiple, often conflicting, ancient sources into a single cohesive narrative. As a result, we are left with a detailed account of the life of Titus, illustrated in vibrant colors. By far, this is the authoritative guide to all things Titus!”

Marc Hyden

GAIUS MARIUS: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Saviour