Read the true story behind the events in the Gladiator films... Herodian’s History of the Roman Empire provides a gripping account of Rome’s imperial story, covering the period from the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 CE to the beginning of Gordian III’s reign in 238 CE. Written by Herodian, a Roman civil servant and historian with firsthand experience of the empire’s workings, this chronicle captures the dramatic and often turbulent shifts in power that characterized Rome's imperial decline. Herodian documents the reigns of a succession of emperors, offering a unique view of the political intrigues, military conflicts, and cultural transformations that marked this pivotal era. From the philosophically inclined but ill-fated Commodus to the reigns of military strongmen and brief-lived emperors, Herodian’s work details the fragile and chaotic nature of leadership during a time when Rome faced pressures from within and beyond its borders. With vivid narrative and sharp insights into the motivations and flaws of Rome’s rulers, History of the Roman Empire is an invaluable resource for understanding the complexity of Roman politics, the instability of imperial rule, and the forces leading to the eventual transformation of Rome. Herodian’s account is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of power, ambition, and history during one of the most challenging periods of the ancient world.