Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Baths of Caracalla by Robert N Eckert takes the reader deep inside the very personal lives of the powerful rulers of the Western Roman Empire as it was in decline and close to collapse. Emperor Septimus Severus was the all-powerful, all-conquering ruler of the greatest empire on earth. Despite his power, he was unable to control his own family. His son Antoninus may have been destined to become emperor but he was a man wracked by jealousy, vindictiveness, and paranoia. Caracalla, as Antoninus was often known, was a man who saw threats to his power from all directions, especially from his own brother. While he envisioned and tried to model himself on the great hero, Alexander, he was a man prone to fits of intense rage, mindless violence, and petty vindictiveness. We follow the journey of this man’s life as he sought to take the reins of the great Roman Empire. 

The Baths of Caracalla is an interesting glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the rich and powerful in ancient Rome. Author Robert N Eckert has created a multi-faceted story with an impressive list of both major and minor characters that he expertly weaves together to take readers inside the minds of these powerful Roman political players. I particularly enjoyed the juxtaposition between the beliefs of Christians of the time, who were mercilessly butchered for their faith, and the old pagan religion of the Romans and their gods. To be Christian and part of the Roman Empire was indeed a perilous state of affairs. The complexity of the differing story arcs, their links, and the author’s ability to seamlessly weave them together into a coherent storyline was exceptional. It was fascinating to see how alliances, friendships, and even familial ties were so easily swept aside in the pursuit of naked ambition and power. What became increasingly obvious was that many in the upper echelons of Roman society, such as Senators, may have had a nominal sense of power and privilege but that it was totally at the whim of the ruling emperor. What the emperor desired or decreed was usually what transpired. I enjoyed the historical context and education the story provided within the constraints of what was essentially a fictional adventure. This is a solid, meaty read that I enjoyed and highly recommend.