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The Damned Emperors #4
Caracalla
AD 193. After a year of brutal civil war, Rome is settled under Septimius Severus and his aspirations for a new dynasty of emperors. Severus’s sons, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus – better known as Caracalla – and the younger brother, Geta, promise a stable future; a clear line of succession to steer Rome into the future. A promise that might be hard to deliver upon. With two brothers, there are two possible heirs, and Severus’s close friend Plautianus has his own ideas about the succession, favouring Geta over Caracalla. Though the pair are still children, the Praetorian Prefect sows in young Geta’s mind seeds of superiority, resentment and bitterness against his older brother. As these seeds take root, the relationship between the pair grows strained, and their parents desperately attempt to reconcile the feuding siblings before it is too late. Are the brothers able to set their differences aside, or will Rome see the blood of a fratricide? The masterful final novel in the Damned Emperors series by S.J.A. Turney, perfect for fans of Harry Sidebottom and Conn Iggulden.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
51 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
93 books495 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 20, 2024
"In but a short space of time I'd had the promise of Caesar dangled before me, then removed, been chastised and overruled by my own father, had my name changed to something utterly alien, and then had that Caesar promised me once again."
In this engrossing book, the man History remembers by his friendly nickname, Caracalla, tells us his story, without keeping anything under his hat, or should I say under his laurel crown?!
And what a story to tell!
For being the son of a Roman emperor is never a piece of cake, and when daunting Septimius Severus is your father, it may be just too much. Caracalla’s life is further complicated by palace intrigues and his younger brother, Geta. There is really no love lost between these two, and if you think that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, then you have another thing coming.
Once again I feel vindicated in my creed: a good historical novel, faithful to the truth almost to the last detail, is better than a boring academic study. Turney's "Caracalla" is a prime example of this. The telling is well paced, enticing, insightful, and straight to the point. Perhaps a little bit wanting when it comes to descriptions. As if Turney was only focussing on his main character, thus forgetting the setting in which events take place. For example, the fascination for Alexander the Great is at the time as strong as ever. So, once Babylon is stormed, when we enter the room where the famous Greek conqueror died, it would feel appropriate to read more than a poor six lines, hastily written just to move on to the next twist and turn. We could instead take the time required to feel the full measure of the moment. I don't really mind such lacking, but I guess a reader less familiar with the world as it was then would expect more descriptive detail. In this respect, honesty compells me to acknowledge that Turney's Caracalla can't hold a candle to Margaret George's Nero.
Another failing underscores how a little something extra could have made all the difference between good and perfect. Chapter XIII lays out a thorough take on geopolitics and strategy. But it would have helped to append a map to the historical note, for I doubt today's reader can locate Moesia or the Euxine Sea, not to say anything about Mogontiacum and Aquicum! Nor can the average reader be privy to the Latin technical words the book is sprinkled with. Unfortunately, Turney takes it for granted that everybody knows all about ala, lilia or vexilationes, and thus doesn't bother with translation. I am a hair's breadth from calling it priggishness.
Besides, I could not help noticing a few inaccuracies.
1)"The fourth day after the kalends of November" is not the right Roman way to say the date. Days were counted before (never after) three landmarks in each month, the kalends, the nones and the ides, and these days were included in the countdown. Moreover, Roman months were not subdivided into weeks.
2) "All men and women would be citizens". Nice try, but we were in a men's world. Sorry ladies, the word women is to be crossed out! As it was, the Roman woman was always standing modestly in the shadow of a man, either her father or her husband. Only when a widow, and daddy on the other side of the Styx, could a virtuous matron have it her own way. Although much earlier than Caracalla's time, the Laws of the Twleve Tables (circa 450 BC) were still bearing some influence on the matter . Let me quote: “Mulieres, etiamsi perfectae aetatis sint, propter levitatem animi in tutela esse debent.” Translation: “Women, even if they are of full age, should be under guardianship because of their light-mindedness.” That said, Severus was in awe of his wife Julia Domna, so much so that in 195 AD, he bestowed upon her the honorary titles of Mater Castrorum and Mater Senatus (Mother of the Camps and Mother of the Senate - now I wonder, does that mean she knew how to keep herself busy, ha, ha?!). Not a first though: the same honour had already been given to Faustina by Marcus Aurelius during a military campaign beyond the Rhine.
3) For a better view of the political snake pit, it would have been useful to specify that under Severus, the Praetorian Prefect was not only at the head of the Guard of the same name. He was also in charge of the Cohorts of the Vigils, the "Castra Peregrina" (a secret police of sorts), the 2nd Parthica Legion (for the first time since Augustus more than two centuries ago, a permanent army was based in Italy!), both imperial fleets (Ravenna and Misena), amounting to an impressive 30,000 men. Moreover, the Praetorian Prefect handled appeals in legal cases thoughout Italy. To be compared to the lesser powers wielded by the Urban Prefect, in charge of the Urban Cohorts (4,500 soldiers dedicated to maintaining order and security within Rome), and who dealt with appeals in trials in Rome. This is not too much detail, it gives the gist of the forces involved in the corridors of power and what Caracalla found himself entangled in.
4) If I'm not mistaken, only Tacitus told about the use of a white flag during a surrender. That was at the second battle of Cremona when Vitellian forces were defeated in 69 AD. Holding your shield above your head was a more common practice to signal surrender.
5) When was pay day in the army? At the end of the month says Turney. I'm surprised. I believe standard practice was three times a year, when the soldier was paid a third of his yearly "stipendum".
But then, there's the talent of the gifted writer-cum-historian. Although I know how the story goes and how it ends, Turney has me gripped by the events unfolding under his pen. And ah, the acme in chapter XXIII!
Besides, why even bother with fiction when reality is so dramatic? Still, this is a novel, and the honest historical note sheds light behind the scenes, so that we can sort out what is what. Good job!
At any rate, I am happy with this fair and convincing psychological portrayal of an emperor who I believe could have been a second Trajan, had his promising vision not been nipped in the bud by a despicable turncoat. This book does not go so far though, as the story ends in 211 AD. However, in keeping with his admiration for Ancient Rome, S.J.A Turney wrote the most substanciated narrative I have ever read about Lucius Septimius Bassianus aka Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
I shall always be grateful for this achievement.
In this engrossing book, the man History remembers by his friendly nickname, Caracalla, tells us his story, without keeping anything under his hat, or should I say under his laurel crown?!
And what a story to tell!
For being the son of a Roman emperor is never a piece of cake, and when daunting Septimius Severus is your father, it may be just too much. Caracalla’s life is further complicated by palace intrigues and his younger brother, Geta. There is really no love lost between these two, and if you think that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, then you have another thing coming.
Once again I feel vindicated in my creed: a good historical novel, faithful to the truth almost to the last detail, is better than a boring academic study. Turney's "Caracalla" is a prime example of this. The telling is well paced, enticing, insightful, and straight to the point. Perhaps a little bit wanting when it comes to descriptions. As if Turney was only focussing on his main character, thus forgetting the setting in which events take place. For example, the fascination for Alexander the Great is at the time as strong as ever. So, once Babylon is stormed, when we enter the room where the famous Greek conqueror died, it would feel appropriate to read more than a poor six lines, hastily written just to move on to the next twist and turn. We could instead take the time required to feel the full measure of the moment. I don't really mind such lacking, but I guess a reader less familiar with the world as it was then would expect more descriptive detail. In this respect, honesty compells me to acknowledge that Turney's Caracalla can't hold a candle to Margaret George's Nero.
Another failing underscores how a little something extra could have made all the difference between good and perfect. Chapter XIII lays out a thorough take on geopolitics and strategy. But it would have helped to append a map to the historical note, for I doubt today's reader can locate Moesia or the Euxine Sea, not to say anything about Mogontiacum and Aquicum! Nor can the average reader be privy to the Latin technical words the book is sprinkled with. Unfortunately, Turney takes it for granted that everybody knows all about ala, lilia or vexilationes, and thus doesn't bother with translation. I am a hair's breadth from calling it priggishness.
Besides, I could not help noticing a few inaccuracies.
1)"The fourth day after the kalends of November" is not the right Roman way to say the date. Days were counted before (never after) three landmarks in each month, the kalends, the nones and the ides, and these days were included in the countdown. Moreover, Roman months were not subdivided into weeks.
2) "All men and women would be citizens". Nice try, but we were in a men's world. Sorry ladies, the word women is to be crossed out! As it was, the Roman woman was always standing modestly in the shadow of a man, either her father or her husband. Only when a widow, and daddy on the other side of the Styx, could a virtuous matron have it her own way. Although much earlier than Caracalla's time, the Laws of the Twleve Tables (circa 450 BC) were still bearing some influence on the matter . Let me quote: “Mulieres, etiamsi perfectae aetatis sint, propter levitatem animi in tutela esse debent.” Translation: “Women, even if they are of full age, should be under guardianship because of their light-mindedness.” That said, Severus was in awe of his wife Julia Domna, so much so that in 195 AD, he bestowed upon her the honorary titles of Mater Castrorum and Mater Senatus (Mother of the Camps and Mother of the Senate - now I wonder, does that mean she knew how to keep herself busy, ha, ha?!). Not a first though: the same honour had already been given to Faustina by Marcus Aurelius during a military campaign beyond the Rhine.
3) For a better view of the political snake pit, it would have been useful to specify that under Severus, the Praetorian Prefect was not only at the head of the Guard of the same name. He was also in charge of the Cohorts of the Vigils, the "Castra Peregrina" (a secret police of sorts), the 2nd Parthica Legion (for the first time since Augustus more than two centuries ago, a permanent army was based in Italy!), both imperial fleets (Ravenna and Misena), amounting to an impressive 30,000 men. Moreover, the Praetorian Prefect handled appeals in legal cases thoughout Italy. To be compared to the lesser powers wielded by the Urban Prefect, in charge of the Urban Cohorts (4,500 soldiers dedicated to maintaining order and security within Rome), and who dealt with appeals in trials in Rome. This is not too much detail, it gives the gist of the forces involved in the corridors of power and what Caracalla found himself entangled in.
4) If I'm not mistaken, only Tacitus told about the use of a white flag during a surrender. That was at the second battle of Cremona when Vitellian forces were defeated in 69 AD. Holding your shield above your head was a more common practice to signal surrender.
5) When was pay day in the army? At the end of the month says Turney. I'm surprised. I believe standard practice was three times a year, when the soldier was paid a third of his yearly "stipendum".
But then, there's the talent of the gifted writer-cum-historian. Although I know how the story goes and how it ends, Turney has me gripped by the events unfolding under his pen. And ah, the acme in chapter XXIII!
Besides, why even bother with fiction when reality is so dramatic? Still, this is a novel, and the honest historical note sheds light behind the scenes, so that we can sort out what is what. Good job!
At any rate, I am happy with this fair and convincing psychological portrayal of an emperor who I believe could have been a second Trajan, had his promising vision not been nipped in the bud by a despicable turncoat. This book does not go so far though, as the story ends in 211 AD. However, in keeping with his admiration for Ancient Rome, S.J.A Turney wrote the most substanciated narrative I have ever read about Lucius Septimius Bassianus aka Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
I shall always be grateful for this achievement.
January 12, 2025
Yes I read this because I watched gladiator two, yes I very much enjoyed myself. A historical fiction will always do it for me, there’s something about the format of telling a story from a first hand account of a historical figure. Not to mention how incredibly informing and entertaining it was to read,albeit most of the story was written through the eyes of how the author believes it to have likely happened. The story of Caracalla is a very sad one, the relationship of the brother emperors was doomed from the beginning.
I will most likely be reading the other books in the damned emperor series.
I will most likely be reading the other books in the damned emperor series.
January 25, 2025
By far my favorite novel of the series. The set up for Caracalla was pretty immaculate. His appreciation for Alexander coupled with the scene of him being in the room where Alexander died was excellently done. Keep in mind I don’t have a lot of historical knowledge on Alexander. I just know the overarching popular things said in regards to him. But when Caracalla looked around the room and compared 4 people to each of Alexander’s four generals it just really set the tone and the anticipation for the rest of the novel.
The depiction of Caracalla’s and Geta’s relationship were in some ways relatable. I know that sounds insane lol, but hear me out! Their unnatural, intense dislike and loathing of one another manifests in most sibling relationships (just on different levels). You could be completely fine with your sibling and then boom one slights ( I’m saying barley, this could be a minor annoyance) the other and then the next thing you know your parents are hauling you off each other. Often, when it comes to your siblings the rage you feel towards them can’t be explained, it’s an anger that defies logic and reason. Granted the feelings are fleeting( or should be) and reactions and responses matures with age (at least it should). I think siblings have a unique way of getting under each other’s skin and the author did a very great job at depicting that. Granted Geta and Caracalla’s upbringing and history is much different than the sibling upbringing and history we see today. That part is very much being taken into account, they definitely did not have a typical sibling relationship/upbringing (for our time to clarify, for their time it seems pretty common to hate and attempt to slaughter your family members), but they do share some of the same challenges.
The novel has its slow parts and is heavily littered with fact. I appreciated the tone and the “rational/probable” approach the author took. We also finally got one that is from the emperors perspective so that was a nice change up. Overall a very excellent story. The banter, dark humor and tension were really well done.
The depiction of Caracalla’s and Geta’s relationship were in some ways relatable. I know that sounds insane lol, but hear me out! Their unnatural, intense dislike and loathing of one another manifests in most sibling relationships (just on different levels). You could be completely fine with your sibling and then boom one slights ( I’m saying barley, this could be a minor annoyance) the other and then the next thing you know your parents are hauling you off each other. Often, when it comes to your siblings the rage you feel towards them can’t be explained, it’s an anger that defies logic and reason. Granted the feelings are fleeting( or should be) and reactions and responses matures with age (at least it should). I think siblings have a unique way of getting under each other’s skin and the author did a very great job at depicting that. Granted Geta and Caracalla’s upbringing and history is much different than the sibling upbringing and history we see today. That part is very much being taken into account, they definitely did not have a typical sibling relationship/upbringing (for our time to clarify, for their time it seems pretty common to hate and attempt to slaughter your family members), but they do share some of the same challenges.
The novel has its slow parts and is heavily littered with fact. I appreciated the tone and the “rational/probable” approach the author took. We also finally got one that is from the emperors perspective so that was a nice change up. Overall a very excellent story. The banter, dark humor and tension were really well done.
May 9, 2024
The "damned emperor" in this case is not Marcus Aurelius Antoninus aka to us Caracalla [a nickname taken from the name of a Gaulish hooded cloak he generally wears], but his younger brother Geta, with whom he has a lifetime feud. Until his death, their father Septimius Severus's friend poisons Geta's mind against his brother. and the two boys develop mutual hatred of each other. This animus becomes more intense through the years, leading to mutual attempts at killing each other and to the final denouement in their mother's presence. Afterwards. Caracalla erases all trace of his brother from history. Fascinating, and a real page-turner.
May 27, 2024
Fourth in a series of Rome's most despotic emperors, Caracalla paints a vivid picture of one of its most infamous rulers and his ongoing, murderous feud with his brother Geta. The brotherly enmity is the focus around which the rest of the novel centers and the pivot point for the plot. Everything that follows Caracalla is a result of his familial relationships and his heavy-handed attempts to rule one of the ancient world's most fractious empire.
October 17, 2023
Another brilliant tale of Rome.
Two brothers,who hate each other,can they rule the empire or destroy it? Read on for evil deeds, plots and plenty of bloodshed,such is the story of Rome.
Two brothers,who hate each other,can they rule the empire or destroy it? Read on for evil deeds, plots and plenty of bloodshed,such is the story of Rome.
October 4, 2023
The damned author has written another damned good book about a damned emperor. Damned good book....damn good author. 😊
November 3, 2025
3,7 stars
October 6, 2023
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, as I was riveted by the previous novels in Simon’s Damned Emperor series.
The novel lived up to my hype, with the added nuance in this volume, that the protagonist was the emperor Caracalla himself.
The book centres on the relationship between Carcalla and his family. Principally his brother Geta and their enmity for each other. The story also includes scenes depicting Caracalla’s relationship with with his mother and father.
This was a great end to a great series. I have enjoyed learning about the various emperors in the series and Simon has really brought these historical figures to life.
The novel lived up to my hype, with the added nuance in this volume, that the protagonist was the emperor Caracalla himself.
The book centres on the relationship between Carcalla and his family. Principally his brother Geta and their enmity for each other. The story also includes scenes depicting Caracalla’s relationship with with his mother and father.
This was a great end to a great series. I have enjoyed learning about the various emperors in the series and Simon has really brought these historical figures to life.
December 5, 2023
Having read all the previous dammed emperor books I was really looking forward to this one and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Not what I was expecting, but it was an excellent read. Brotherly hate, bloodshed and ruling Rome. Fantastic
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews