Lucius Versus & Roman Defense of East by MC Bishop

[Vincent]

MC Bishop is a specialist in roman military archaeology. and author on the subject.
He has provided a leisurely read concerning one of the most neglected and mistreated Emperors that may need redemption after reading his study
I always felt Lucius Verus was a better man than depicted by what has survived from that period. MC Bishop has provided a sound reason (s) for this in his work..


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2424726057?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1


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S.J.A. Turney's review Jun 15, 2018
it was amazing

Sometimes books just appear at serendipitous times. Last month this book was released, penned by one of the top scholars in his field, a man whose work I trust implicitly. I happened to have just finished writing my novel on Commodus and sent it to my editor. But since Verus was the uncle of my emperor and has an important role in my tale, I simply had to read this. Glad I did. There was so much in here that I needed to add to my story, and fortunately I had that opportunity during the editing stage. ‘Lucius Verus’ was something of an eye-opener.

Bishop starts out on his journey through Verus’ life by explaining that he is not attempting to ‘rehabilitate’ Verus and remove the stigma that history has left, but rather to remove the chaff from accounts and reveal only what truths or perceivable truths lie beneath the endless bias of biographers ancient and modern. In a way, he might have failed in that task in the nicest possible way, because by the end, I found Verus thoroughly rehabilitated and sympathetic. Much, fortunately, like the character in my novel. Phew.

This book is actually two subjects rolled into one, as the title suggests. It is at one and the same time a detailed and as accurate as it is possible to be biography of the man who co-ruled the empire with the great Marcus Aurelius, and a military narrative on the Parthian campaigns of the 160s AD. That it achieves both aims smoothly and without feeling at odds with one another is superb.

You can read more from the link.


I'm glad I read the book myself and Verus in my collection appear more attractive and interesting

[Joe Sermarini]

Sounds like a great book.

[Jay GT4]

Bishop is great.  I have all his books on Military equipment.  I didn't realize he wrote this kind of history as well.  Thanks!

[Vincent]

Thanks guys,  he does give plausible reasons for the tarnishment of his character. One example, his wife was Empress Lucilia,
who was implicated in the plot against Commodus. Commodus, no doubt, would not promote the character of his Uncle and guilt by association.
Yes, noticed his other titles Jay, thanks for your thumbs up.