Most historians, both ancient and modern, have viewed the Late Republic of Rome through the eyes of its rich nobility. InThe Assassination of Julius Caesar, Michael Parenti presents us with a story of popular resistance against entrenched power and wealth. As he carefully weighs the evidence concerning the murder of Caesar, Parenti sketches in the background to the crime with fascinating detail about wider Roman society. In these pages we find reflections on the democratic struggle waged by Roman commoners, religious augury as an instrument of social control, the patriarchal oppression of women, and the political use of homophobic attacks.The Assassination of Julius Caesaroffers a whole new perspective on an era we thought we knew well.
Michael Parentiis the author of sixteen books includingHistory as Mystery,The Terrorism Trap,Democracy for the Few,Against Empire,Dirty Truths,Blackshirts and Reds, andAmerica Besieged. His work has been translated into twelve languages. He lives in Berkeley, California.
Scintillating storytelling and deeply examined historical insight. . . . An important alternative to the usual views of Caesar and the Roman Empire.
—Publishers Weekly
A highly accessible and entertaining addition to history. . . . It breathes contempt for the rich of ancient Rome and their apologists hiding in classical studies departments today.
—Bookmarks
A novel approach.
—Library Journal