This book presents a narrative of the reigns of the Julio-Claudian emperors, namely Augustus to Nero, with passages in original Latin from Tacitus, Suetonius and Seneca. Their works portray a dark world of murder and debauchery: Augustus with his firm moral policies and adulterous affairs; the depraved Tiberius; the extravagance and madness of Caligula; the ineffective Claudius; and Nero with his artistic pretensions. The selections are invaluable on an artistic and cultural level, promoting the study of style and rhetoric and exploring human nature, the roles of women and imperialism. This book is essential reading for those students who, having completed an introductory Latin course, are ready to tackle genuine, unsimplified Latin prose. With a comprehensive introduction, detailed notes and an appreciation of each writer which addresses questions of context, analysis and literary criticism, this book will enhance students' understanding and enjoyment of Latin prose.