Impressively, exhaustively, and expertly researched, organized and presented biography, Professor Ilkka Syvanne's "Emperor Septimius Severus: The Roman Hannibal" brings out of relative obscurity on of Rome's particularly interesting emperors in a particularly violent and politically unstable periods. If there is any message arising from ancient Rome and still relevant today it is that the game of thrones is a blood sport. A fascinating and informative read, "Emperor Septimius Severus: The Roman Hannibal" is enhanced with the inclusion of plates, maps, diagrams, a list of abbreviations, two appendices (Arrian and Roman Battle Tactics; Frontinus and Combat Tactics on Land), thirteen pages of notes, a four page Select Bibliography, and a twelve page index. While highly recommended as an addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Roman Biography/History collections, it should be noted that "Emperor Septimius Severus: The Roman Hannibal" is also available in a digital book format.

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Midwest Book Review

"This enthralling biography of Lucius Septimius Severus, Roman Emperor from 193-211 AD, is lavishly illustrated with photos of coins commemorating rulers and events, busts of the main characters and pictures of Roman soldiers, their uniforms and weapons. Dr. Syvänne’s meticulous research makes extensive use of original sources..."

Norfolk Family History Society - 'The Ancestor' magazine

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The Bookseller, Jan 23