A Year of Imperial Conflict: 238 AD and the Six Emperors

In A Year of Imperial Conflict: 238 AD and the Six Emperors, historian Sean S. Fuller delves into one of the most turbulent chapters of Roman history, a year marked by unprecedented political upheaval and social fragmentation. The year 238 AD, often called the "Year of the Six Emperors," witnessed a rapid succession of rulers, bloody revolts, and fierce power struggles that epitomized the challenges faced by the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. This meticulously researched account explores the lives and ambitions of the six claimants to the imperial throne and examines how their rivalry illuminated the systemic weaknesses of an empire grappling with internal disarray and external threats. From the rise of soldier-emperors like Maximinus Thrax to the short-lived Gordian revolt in Africa and the Senate’s desperate attempts to reassert authority, Fuller paints a vivid picture of an empire on the brink of collapse. With a compelling narrative and rich historical context, A Year of Imperial Conflict provides readers with an in-depth analysis of how the events of this chaotic year reshaped Roman governance and set the stage for transformative reforms. Both captivating and scholarly, this book is an essential read for history enthusiasts and scholars alike, offering a fresh perspective on one of Rome’s most pivotal and volatile periods.