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Germanicus: The Magnificent Life and Mysterious Death of Rome's Most Popular General
Germanicus (a.k.a. Germanicus Iulius Caesar) was considered by Romans as one of their greatest military heroes. His untimely death, in suspicious circumstances, ended the possibility of a return to a more open republic and ambitions for the outright conquest of Germania Magna (Germany). This, the first modern biography of Germanicus, is in parts a growing-up story, a history of war, a tale of political intrigue and a murder mystery. It is a natural sequel to the author's first book, Eager for Glory, which discussed the life of Germanicus’ natural father, Nero Claudius Drusus, for the first time.
Born in 15 BC, Germanicus grew up to be a skilled diplomat and bold soldier. Married to the granddaughter of Augustus (by whom he fathered the future Emperor Caligula) and responsible for avenging Rome’s humiliating defeat at the Teutoburg Forest through victory at Idistaviso (AD16) and the recovery of one of the lost standards, his reputation and popularity were immense. The Emperor Tiberius, his adoptive father, granted him a triumph, but refused to let him complete the reconquest of Germania, sending him instead to command in the East. Did Tiberius feel jealous and threatened?
Germanicus fortunes waned when he fell out with one of Tiberius appointees, Piso. His death in mysterious circumstances, aged 34, brought great outpourings of public grief and anger, with many suspecting murder on the orders of Tiberius. Piso was put on trial but he committed suicide – or was he murdered? – before the senate could reach a verdict.
Born in 15 BC, Germanicus grew up to be a skilled diplomat and bold soldier. Married to the granddaughter of Augustus (by whom he fathered the future Emperor Caligula) and responsible for avenging Rome’s humiliating defeat at the Teutoburg Forest through victory at Idistaviso (AD16) and the recovery of one of the lost standards, his reputation and popularity were immense. The Emperor Tiberius, his adoptive father, granted him a triumph, but refused to let him complete the reconquest of Germania, sending him instead to command in the East. Did Tiberius feel jealous and threatened?
Germanicus fortunes waned when he fell out with one of Tiberius appointees, Piso. His death in mysterious circumstances, aged 34, brought great outpourings of public grief and anger, with many suspecting murder on the orders of Tiberius. Piso was put on trial but he committed suicide – or was he murdered? – before the senate could reach a verdict.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2012
83 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Powell
26 books48 followersLINDSAY POWELL is a historical detective. He is motivated to tell the stories of the under-reported personalities and events of history in the belief that they deserve to be told to complete our understanding of the past.
A historian and writer, Lindsay has a particular passion for the military history of the Roman Empire. He scours ancient documents, inscriptions, coins and museums for stories, and archaeological, engineering, medical and scientific reports to reveal deeper truths.
He was news editor of Ancient Warfare (2011-2016) and continues to contribute to the magazine. He has written for Military Heritage, Desperta Ferro and Strategy & Tactics magazines, as well as Pen and Sword Books, Osprey Publishing, The History Network and UNRV.com. Lindsay is a veteran of the world renowned Ermine Street Guard. His appearances include BBC Radio and The History Channel,
He divides his time between Austin, Texas and Wokingham, England.
A historian and writer, Lindsay has a particular passion for the military history of the Roman Empire. He scours ancient documents, inscriptions, coins and museums for stories, and archaeological, engineering, medical and scientific reports to reveal deeper truths.
He was news editor of Ancient Warfare (2011-2016) and continues to contribute to the magazine. He has written for Military Heritage, Desperta Ferro and Strategy & Tactics magazines, as well as Pen and Sword Books, Osprey Publishing, The History Network and UNRV.com. Lindsay is a veteran of the world renowned Ermine Street Guard. His appearances include BBC Radio and The History Channel,
He divides his time between Austin, Texas and Wokingham, England.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 26, 2016
Textbooks on Germanicus - arguably one of Rome's finest generals - are few and far between, sadly. When one is published, therefore, it gives cause for celebration - particularly when it's as good as the volume penned by Lindsay Powell. Meticulously researched, absorbing and well written, this is no dusty, academic tome, but a `must have' text for any reader with an interest in Rome. Powell knows his subject matter inside out, and is to be highly commended on a most welcome addition to the biographies of Rome's most famous sons.
July 18, 2016
love this book by Lindsay Powell it really gave you the since bout germanicus personality and the man.
May 2, 2023
A solid 3.5/5.
The book is about the life of Germanicus, one of Rome’s “best” generals. It is a okay book, but a little bit to much details about the battles itself while I wanted more about the life of Germanicus himself even though not much is known directly.
Overal, not special nor bad.
The book is about the life of Germanicus, one of Rome’s “best” generals. It is a okay book, but a little bit to much details about the battles itself while I wanted more about the life of Germanicus himself even though not much is known directly.
Overal, not special nor bad.
June 29, 2018
An entertaining story of a great Roman, who died too young. He would have made a far better emperor than his son. The story is well told, dramatised, and factual.
December 17, 2013
Germanicus Julius Caesar was born Nero Claudius Drusus, after his father, on 24 May 16 BCE. The son of famed warrior, Drusus the elder, and of the daughter of Mark Anthony and Octavia; the step-grandson of Emperor Augustus; and the eventual father to Caligula, Germanicus was destined for greatness.
Lindsay Powell traces the life of one of Rome’s most popular generals from his cultured and well-educated upbringing to his impressive military career, which began at the age of 21.
Drusus the Elder gained the unusual agnomen of Germanicus posthumously, out of respect for his great military victories in Germania Magna. The name was passed down to his surviving sons, and after being adopted into Augustus’ family, Germanicus was also given the title of Julius Caesar. A marriage was arranged between Germanicus and Augustus’ granddaughter, Agrippina and their unbreakable and steadfast love for one another is one of the central themes of Powell’s book.
Powell narrates the life of a man who was much loved by the Roman people for his diplomacy, his bravery and his loyalty. He was a poet, an augur, an advocate, a loyal family man and a military hero. Powell follows the military campaigns of Germanicus in fascinating detail, painting a picture, not just of a great man, but of the Roman Empire during a tempestuous period: the complex politics, military strategies and threat of invasion. But as he makes clear in the subtitle of Germanicus, he is not only concerned with the life of one of Rome’s great heroes but also with his mysterious death and ensuing legacy. A good third of the book is dedicated to these latter events, with Powell delving into some detail over the mysterious circumstances which led to Germanicus’ untimely death at the age of 34.
A prolonged illness which created bluish spots on his skin, and the report that he was foaming at the mouth, led to suspicions that Germanicus was poisoned. Powell gives a clear account of the uproar and great distress which followed Germanicus’ demise, painting a picture of hysteria - a nation distraught and inconsolable. Was Germanicus a victim of the poor sanitary conditions in Syria, or was his death the result of a sinister murder plot? It is a question which has never been answered and Powell returns once again to the contemporary evidence to explain why his death provoked such a strong reaction in the Roman populace.
Powell’s book is meticulously researched and backed up by a fantastic spread of illustrations containing Germanicus’ imprint on coins, representations of him in works of art and maps of the military campaigns he was involved in.
The story of a Roman Emperor that might have been, Germanicus is a thorough, unbiased account of a man who is often overlooked despite the great impact he made on Ancient Rome.
It is a fascinating study and well worth reading if you have an interest in the Roman Empire.
Lindsay Powell traces the life of one of Rome’s most popular generals from his cultured and well-educated upbringing to his impressive military career, which began at the age of 21.
Drusus the Elder gained the unusual agnomen of Germanicus posthumously, out of respect for his great military victories in Germania Magna. The name was passed down to his surviving sons, and after being adopted into Augustus’ family, Germanicus was also given the title of Julius Caesar. A marriage was arranged between Germanicus and Augustus’ granddaughter, Agrippina and their unbreakable and steadfast love for one another is one of the central themes of Powell’s book.
Powell narrates the life of a man who was much loved by the Roman people for his diplomacy, his bravery and his loyalty. He was a poet, an augur, an advocate, a loyal family man and a military hero. Powell follows the military campaigns of Germanicus in fascinating detail, painting a picture, not just of a great man, but of the Roman Empire during a tempestuous period: the complex politics, military strategies and threat of invasion. But as he makes clear in the subtitle of Germanicus, he is not only concerned with the life of one of Rome’s great heroes but also with his mysterious death and ensuing legacy. A good third of the book is dedicated to these latter events, with Powell delving into some detail over the mysterious circumstances which led to Germanicus’ untimely death at the age of 34.
A prolonged illness which created bluish spots on his skin, and the report that he was foaming at the mouth, led to suspicions that Germanicus was poisoned. Powell gives a clear account of the uproar and great distress which followed Germanicus’ demise, painting a picture of hysteria - a nation distraught and inconsolable. Was Germanicus a victim of the poor sanitary conditions in Syria, or was his death the result of a sinister murder plot? It is a question which has never been answered and Powell returns once again to the contemporary evidence to explain why his death provoked such a strong reaction in the Roman populace.
Powell’s book is meticulously researched and backed up by a fantastic spread of illustrations containing Germanicus’ imprint on coins, representations of him in works of art and maps of the military campaigns he was involved in.
The story of a Roman Emperor that might have been, Germanicus is a thorough, unbiased account of a man who is often overlooked despite the great impact he made on Ancient Rome.
It is a fascinating study and well worth reading if you have an interest in the Roman Empire.
January 4, 2018
A well written and engaging narrative. As insightful about Germanicus as it was about Tiberius, which adds to the value of this book. Powell does a very commendable job putting together the biography of this truly charismatic, but too often footnoted, personality.
February 9, 2025
This is truly an amazing work by Lindsay Powell. His former biographic work dedicated to Germanicus’ father, Drusus, was already impressive but here the author created a true master piece achieving very quickly a complete maturity of style and research work.
It would be easy to say that this is the best bio on Germanicus, but that wouldn’t say much; there are very few published works regarding this historic figure. But truth be told this is one of the best biographies I’ve ever read in my life and I’m pretty sure this book will be quoted for a very long time.
To write this definitive (at least by our state-of-the-art knowledge of the subject) work on Germanicus Julius Caesar the author investigated thoroughly not only written sources, existing monuments, numismatic material, statuary, etc. Never taking anything for granted, Powell analyses each piece of evidence reconstructing with great competence the life and times of Germanicus.
Both his personal and public life are addressed and all main events are painstakingly described and revisited, including the revolt of the Batones, the mutiny in Germany, the campaigns with mixed results in Germania, his diplomatic work in the east, the relationship between Tiberius and Germanicus and also his suspicious death in Syria among many other subjects. The author is aware of biased accounts and provides a fair depiction of the events. When it’s impossible to achieve a satisfactory answer to a particular question, the author presents the case with several lines of reasoning (for example: in the discussion regarding the possibility of Germanicus’ having been assassinated).
It includes copious and very useful notes, great genealogical trees, highly informative chronology, ancient source listing and respective analyses, photos of coins, statuary, monuments, etc.
For a more detailed look on the battles on the Weser river, Idistaviso and Angrivarian wall I would recommend the book “Roman Soldier Vs Germanic Warrior 1st Cent AD – Combat Series 6” by this author.
Highly recommended.
It would be easy to say that this is the best bio on Germanicus, but that wouldn’t say much; there are very few published works regarding this historic figure. But truth be told this is one of the best biographies I’ve ever read in my life and I’m pretty sure this book will be quoted for a very long time.
To write this definitive (at least by our state-of-the-art knowledge of the subject) work on Germanicus Julius Caesar the author investigated thoroughly not only written sources, existing monuments, numismatic material, statuary, etc. Never taking anything for granted, Powell analyses each piece of evidence reconstructing with great competence the life and times of Germanicus.
Both his personal and public life are addressed and all main events are painstakingly described and revisited, including the revolt of the Batones, the mutiny in Germany, the campaigns with mixed results in Germania, his diplomatic work in the east, the relationship between Tiberius and Germanicus and also his suspicious death in Syria among many other subjects. The author is aware of biased accounts and provides a fair depiction of the events. When it’s impossible to achieve a satisfactory answer to a particular question, the author presents the case with several lines of reasoning (for example: in the discussion regarding the possibility of Germanicus’ having been assassinated).
It includes copious and very useful notes, great genealogical trees, highly informative chronology, ancient source listing and respective analyses, photos of coins, statuary, monuments, etc.
For a more detailed look on the battles on the Weser river, Idistaviso and Angrivarian wall I would recommend the book “Roman Soldier Vs Germanic Warrior 1st Cent AD – Combat Series 6” by this author.
Highly recommended.
May 11, 2023
Up and coming Germanicus is often deemed in retrospect the best Emperor Rome never had.
His was a promising rise to power nipped in the bud in murky circumstances.
Linday Powell explains it all in a gripping and lively narrative that takes us from the Roman Forum to the fringes of the Empire and war on the Barbarians on the other side of the Rhine in gloomy and unwelcoming swathes of Germany covered in thick woods and dotted by as many swamps. On such terrain, Roman military campaigns can hardly be pitched battles, they are waged mostly by way of trickery and traps set up cunningly. Wise Emperor Tiberius will put an end to it, sticking to Augustus's policy according to which there is only so much land Rome can conquer and rule.
Then Germanicus and his family are heading for Egypt and Syria on what we'd call today a PR mission...
Everybody with a taste for good biographies and ancient warfare will be happy with this book. I certainly am!
His was a promising rise to power nipped in the bud in murky circumstances.
Linday Powell explains it all in a gripping and lively narrative that takes us from the Roman Forum to the fringes of the Empire and war on the Barbarians on the other side of the Rhine in gloomy and unwelcoming swathes of Germany covered in thick woods and dotted by as many swamps. On such terrain, Roman military campaigns can hardly be pitched battles, they are waged mostly by way of trickery and traps set up cunningly. Wise Emperor Tiberius will put an end to it, sticking to Augustus's policy according to which there is only so much land Rome can conquer and rule.
Then Germanicus and his family are heading for Egypt and Syria on what we'd call today a PR mission...
Everybody with a taste for good biographies and ancient warfare will be happy with this book. I certainly am!
July 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this engaging biography of one of ancient Rome's superstars who isn't very well known today. The grandson of both Marc Antony and Augustus Caesar, Germanicus was even adopted by his uncle Tiberius and would have likely inherited the empire if he lived longer. Unfortunately, he died at a young age and his son was the infamous Caligula. The author writes very well and the research is impeccable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone with any sort of academic interest in the period.
March 2, 2020
A book truly deserving Twain's appellation of 'Chloroform in print ' ...
September 14, 2024
What an excellent and informative read.
July 16, 2025
Germanicus, I have feelings for you!!!!!
A near perfect biography! A few mistakes here and there, but overall this is the best book about the life and death of my beloved Germanicus that I’ve read.
A near perfect biography! A few mistakes here and there, but overall this is the best book about the life and death of my beloved Germanicus that I’ve read.
October 25, 2021
Good overveiw of the Life of Germanicus
November 6, 2023
I first read Germanicus two years ago, and I’ve re-read it several times since for a project I’ve had. I figure now is as good a time as any to write a review.
I initially gave 4 stars, and I don’t feel like that needs to change. Lindsay Powell is meticulous with research and establishing a timeline, setting and motivations. Im very grateful for that, as not many authors put in an equal effort. It truly feels like a complete compilation of all information we have on Germanicus. Powell also takes the time to compare sources and evidence to try to explain what really happened in Germanicus’ life, with great care and lengths being taken for Germanicus’ untimely end. Personally, I also loved the inclusion of pictures of almost every piece of artwork, coin or marble that shows Germanicus in them.
The downside of the book, and why I’d give 3.5 or maybe 3.75 stars if we could, is that the book isn’t super engaging as a narrative. If not for my personal curiosity about the titular character, I may not have re-read nor given it a 4.
That being said, if you are curious about the life and mysterious death of Germanicus, this is the best book by a modern author out there.
I initially gave 4 stars, and I don’t feel like that needs to change. Lindsay Powell is meticulous with research and establishing a timeline, setting and motivations. Im very grateful for that, as not many authors put in an equal effort. It truly feels like a complete compilation of all information we have on Germanicus. Powell also takes the time to compare sources and evidence to try to explain what really happened in Germanicus’ life, with great care and lengths being taken for Germanicus’ untimely end. Personally, I also loved the inclusion of pictures of almost every piece of artwork, coin or marble that shows Germanicus in them.
The downside of the book, and why I’d give 3.5 or maybe 3.75 stars if we could, is that the book isn’t super engaging as a narrative. If not for my personal curiosity about the titular character, I may not have re-read nor given it a 4.
That being said, if you are curious about the life and mysterious death of Germanicus, this is the best book by a modern author out there.
December 26, 2015
very good read, discusses the various aspects of germanicus both in life as well as in death. his importance to Rome and the reasons behind his perceived greatness. I especially concur with Powell's assessment doing justice to germanicus' importance to his fellow Romans by the quote in the last pages; "Germanicus Ceasar's unexpected death on 10 October 20 CE was ancient Rome 's 'JFK moment'."
June 12, 2025
Easy to read and full of fascinating details. For a non-fiction book it was quite the page turner! Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews