What do you think?
Rate this book
Following Caesar: From Rome to Constantinople, the Pathways That Planted the Seeds of Empire
A travel narrative following three ancient roads and looking at more than two thousand years of history of Ancient Rome through the modern eye.
In 66 B.C., young, ambitious Julius Caesar, seeking recognition and authority, became the curator of the Via Appia. He borrowed significant sums to restore the ancient highway. It was a way to curry favor from Roman citizens in villages along the route, built from Rome to Brindisi between 312-191 B.C. He succeeded and rapidly grew in popularity. After achieving greatness in Rome and the far reaches of Gaul, he led armies along this road to battle enemies in Roman civil wars. And then, across the Adriatic Sea, he joined Via Appia's sister road, the Via Egnatia that began in today's Albania. Other armies followed these two roads that eventually connected Rome to Byzantium, today's Istanbul. Octavian, who became, in 27 B.C., Rome's first emperor, and his friend and later enemy Mark Antony traveled portions of both roads to defeat Caesar's murderers Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in eastern Macedonia. The great Roman statesman Cicero, the Roman poet Homer, the historian Virgil and many other notables traveled along one or both of these roads. In the first century of the Roman Empire in the earliest years of Christianity, the apostles Peter and Paul traversed portions of them. Pilgrims, seeking salvation in far-away Jerusalem, followed them as well throughout much of the Middle Ages. In the early second century A.D., the emperor Trajan charted a new coastal route between Benevento and Brindisi, later called the Via Traiana.
Today, short stretches of the original three roads can be seen in the ruins of ancient Roman cities, now preserved as archaeological wonders, and through the countryside near, and sometimes under, modern highways. Following those routes is the purpose of treading along the path that Caesar and so many others took over the early centuries. Modern eyes, seeing through the mists of more than two thousand years of history, lead the traveler along these three roads coursing through six countries between Rome and Istanbul. It is a journey full of adventure, discovery, and friendship―one one worth taking.
In 66 B.C., young, ambitious Julius Caesar, seeking recognition and authority, became the curator of the Via Appia. He borrowed significant sums to restore the ancient highway. It was a way to curry favor from Roman citizens in villages along the route, built from Rome to Brindisi between 312-191 B.C. He succeeded and rapidly grew in popularity. After achieving greatness in Rome and the far reaches of Gaul, he led armies along this road to battle enemies in Roman civil wars. And then, across the Adriatic Sea, he joined Via Appia's sister road, the Via Egnatia that began in today's Albania. Other armies followed these two roads that eventually connected Rome to Byzantium, today's Istanbul. Octavian, who became, in 27 B.C., Rome's first emperor, and his friend and later enemy Mark Antony traveled portions of both roads to defeat Caesar's murderers Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in eastern Macedonia. The great Roman statesman Cicero, the Roman poet Homer, the historian Virgil and many other notables traveled along one or both of these roads. In the first century of the Roman Empire in the earliest years of Christianity, the apostles Peter and Paul traversed portions of them. Pilgrims, seeking salvation in far-away Jerusalem, followed them as well throughout much of the Middle Ages. In the early second century A.D., the emperor Trajan charted a new coastal route between Benevento and Brindisi, later called the Via Traiana.
Today, short stretches of the original three roads can be seen in the ruins of ancient Roman cities, now preserved as archaeological wonders, and through the countryside near, and sometimes under, modern highways. Following those routes is the purpose of treading along the path that Caesar and so many others took over the early centuries. Modern eyes, seeing through the mists of more than two thousand years of history, lead the traveler along these three roads coursing through six countries between Rome and Istanbul. It is a journey full of adventure, discovery, and friendship―one one worth taking.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 12, 2023
16 people are currently reading
4098 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 19, 2023
4.5 / 5
A lovely read!
I was very excited to read this book as my mother is from Rome. It was deeply meaningful to be privy to the same "roads" my mother travelled which carry such profound history.
The book read more like a travelogue so if you do consider reading it, keep this in mind.
A great effort from the author- sprinkled with personal points and lots of genuine passion.
I do encourage reading this book if you are inclined.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A lovely read!
I was very excited to read this book as my mother is from Rome. It was deeply meaningful to be privy to the same "roads" my mother travelled which carry such profound history.
The book read more like a travelogue so if you do consider reading it, keep this in mind.
A great effort from the author- sprinkled with personal points and lots of genuine passion.
I do encourage reading this book if you are inclined.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
August 15, 2023I’ve finished, but I need to analyze my thoughts, the synopsis, the actual narrative…I just don’t know also I am not counting this as a royal reads project selection because the book lies.
Thank you St Martin Press. So far I don’t feel like I’ve gotten far on the road, and it may just be the way the author had to travel while COVID was running amuck.
7/30 yeah so I’m still learning all about him looking for parking spaces and his going to drive or explore the SS7, but then not much happens. I think I’ve heard about a temple ruin to Athene, and how much of the great road is actually underneath the SS7. Oh one small stretch had some mausoleums but the author is definitely not much on the use of adjectives. My mind is still wide open.
8/3 okay I do stupid things on my night time meds. I am not finished with this book. I’m at 82%, which is close, but the author needs to keep talking about where he’s going to park his car next. MEH
Thank you St Martin Press. So far I don’t feel like I’ve gotten far on the road, and it may just be the way the author had to travel while COVID was running amuck.
7/30 yeah so I’m still learning all about him looking for parking spaces and his going to drive or explore the SS7, but then not much happens. I think I’ve heard about a temple ruin to Athene, and how much of the great road is actually underneath the SS7. Oh one small stretch had some mausoleums but the author is definitely not much on the use of adjectives. My mind is still wide open.
8/3 okay I do stupid things on my night time meds. I am not finished with this book. I’m at 82%, which is close, but the author needs to keep talking about where he’s going to park his car next. MEH
December 17, 2023
Review to come.
November 2, 2023
There are few experiences that I can think of that are as exhilarating as standing in a location where earth-changing events have taken place. To look out over The Cornfield at Antietam or to stand on the spot where Martin Luther King said 'I have a dream' is to feel in touch with the energy that drives our existence. I suspect that this philosophy is what drove retired reporter John Keahey to spend three months in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to follow in the footsteps of the armies, generals, statesmen, scholars and apostles who traveled over those great Roman roads, the Via Appia and the Via Egnatia, roads that stretched from Rome to Byzantium. In this tremendous bout of history tourism, Keahey would travel from village to village along the route, seeking and recruiting local historical authorities to serve as guides, showing him bits of the ancient roads, often lying several feet underground, and other little-known ruins from millennia past. This, to me, sounds like the perfect way to travel, meeting and befriending locals and listening to what they have to say about the world they know. I'll leave it to the scholars to decide whether it is the best way to advance the knowledge of our distant past.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review of this book. I suspect that I would have enjoyed and appreciated this book much more if it had the maps and photos that I'm sure the published edition will contain but, aware that ARC's seldom have these, I contented myself to imagine what my poor understanding of geography allowed me to picture.
Bottom line: I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone planning to travel through southern Europe in search of history.
As mentioned above, the review was based on an advanced reading copy obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on its content.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review of this book. I suspect that I would have enjoyed and appreciated this book much more if it had the maps and photos that I'm sure the published edition will contain but, aware that ARC's seldom have these, I contented myself to imagine what my poor understanding of geography allowed me to picture.
Bottom line: I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone planning to travel through southern Europe in search of history.
As mentioned above, the review was based on an advanced reading copy obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on its content.
September 5, 2023
‘Following Caesar: from Rome to Contantinople’ by John Keahey is dull because there are no photos or maps. The author writes reams of info about the road names, their conditions past and present. But without photos and maps, it is as interesting as reading a dictionary. However, a lot of short bits of historical information about the peers and times of Caesar is referenced in between the descriptions of the places where action or stories may have happened. I know some people enjoy this style of travelogue/history, but for me it is too dry.
December 1, 2023
As a lover of ancient Rome, diving into "Following Caesar" by John Keahey was akin to embarking on a thrilling expedition through time. The author's meticulous research shines through, making the narrative not only informative but utterly engaging. It was a joy to traverse the well-trodden paths of Caesar, with Keahey as a knowledgeable guide, providing a rich blend of historical facts intertwined with modern-day observations. Each page was a journey in itself, and by the end, I felt both enlightened and eager for more explorations into the realms of ancient history.
October 3, 2023
This book reads like someone took their online travel blog and cut-and-pasted it without alteration into book form. It's like the author (and his editor) doesn't care about engaging the reader. This book could have been improved by the inclusion of some well-made route maps and photos of the places described, but there were none in my electronic advance review copy of this book.
So, for example, there are a lot of references to Italian highways by number, but no indication why most of the people reading this book in English would know, care, or understand anything about where they are.
Or, the author will stop into some town and say that he had an excellent meal, but no more. I understand that perhaps the author didn't want to get into the habit of giving free advertising to particular restaurants, but it might have been interesting to hear that he had enjoyed a dinner of, for example, locally-caught grilled octopus with orzo rice in a marinara sauce in a particular town.
As noted by many others here at Goodreads, the title is completely deceptive – Caesar disappears from the book for long periods.
He spends a lot of time writing about difficulties he had parking his car.
He compliments by name the people who graciously took time out to talk to him about local history, which is excellent good manners. But he doesn't make any of them come alive on the page.
He leaves a lot of potentially interesting questions unanswered. For example, at one point, he stumbles on a section of Roman road in seemingly perfect condition on private property, but he just peers at it over the fence, hopes that it will survive intact, and moves on. It might have been interesting to know: Whose property was it? Do they pour a lot of money into maintaining this isolated bit of road that no one sees? If so, why? Or, maybe, the owner of the property is completely unaware of the road, and its preservation is just a lucky chance? I mean, why not follow up with a little investigation?
He tosses off ideas that flit into his head but then doesn't follow up on any of them. For example, at Kindle location 365, he writes:
It's like the author didn't even take a second look at his writing before sending it off to his publisher.
I received a free electronic advance review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
So, for example, there are a lot of references to Italian highways by number, but no indication why most of the people reading this book in English would know, care, or understand anything about where they are.
Or, the author will stop into some town and say that he had an excellent meal, but no more. I understand that perhaps the author didn't want to get into the habit of giving free advertising to particular restaurants, but it might have been interesting to hear that he had enjoyed a dinner of, for example, locally-caught grilled octopus with orzo rice in a marinara sauce in a particular town.
As noted by many others here at Goodreads, the title is completely deceptive – Caesar disappears from the book for long periods.
He spends a lot of time writing about difficulties he had parking his car.
He compliments by name the people who graciously took time out to talk to him about local history, which is excellent good manners. But he doesn't make any of them come alive on the page.
He leaves a lot of potentially interesting questions unanswered. For example, at one point, he stumbles on a section of Roman road in seemingly perfect condition on private property, but he just peers at it over the fence, hopes that it will survive intact, and moves on. It might have been interesting to know: Whose property was it? Do they pour a lot of money into maintaining this isolated bit of road that no one sees? If so, why? Or, maybe, the owner of the property is completely unaware of the road, and its preservation is just a lucky chance? I mean, why not follow up with a little investigation?
He tosses off ideas that flit into his head but then doesn't follow up on any of them. For example, at Kindle location 365, he writes:
It must have been hard walking for soldiers wearing sandals— burdened with heavy armor and weapons. I had read somewhere that the stone-covered via was for supply carts, wagons, and men on horseback. Soldiers, I read, often marched in formation on either side, hence the origin of the word “sidewalk.” True?No, not true, as even a short search on Google would have revealed. "Sidewalk" has been identified as an Americanism for more than 100 years (see here), whereas the British word "pavement" dates from at least the 14th century. The British term derives through French from the Latin word pavimentum, "hard floor, level surface beaten firm" (see here).
It's like the author didn't even take a second look at his writing before sending it off to his publisher.
I received a free electronic advance review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
January 24, 2024
Following Caesar
John Keahey
It wasn't bad, but I got a bit bored following him after a 100 pages... it just got too dry to go on.
3 stars before I just didn't finish it.
Happy Reading!
John Keahey
It wasn't bad, but I got a bit bored following him after a 100 pages... it just got too dry to go on.
3 stars before I just didn't finish it.
Happy Reading!
December 3, 2023
I wasnt sure what I was in for, not having read anything else by the author. It seems like it is unsure of what it wants to be - academic work or travelogue - so it becomes untethered rambling. We follow the author's journey through Italy, the Balkans, and Turkey during COVID19. He waxes philosophical about various historical events that happen, some of which include Caesar (Julius or Augustus or used generally as a title for anyone after them). Don't expect coherence hinted at by the title. It isn't there. If he had given a "so what" to following the specific roads that he references and allowed that to give some focus. it may have helped. As it was, I kept wondering how much was left. If you know what you're in for and ok with a ramble, give it a go!
November 22, 2023
What an interesting and unexpected read. I am not much for travel books but I love my history so I was willing to give this historical "travel" book a chance and I'm glad I did, The concept of books taking place along a trail isn't a new one to me ("Wild" comes to mind. But instead this book is a marvelous chance to learn about places, historical figures whose names everyone knows, and the universal freedom and connection that these roads brought to parts so far separated from each other. I feel privileged to be given this tremendous opportunity to drive down the historical memory lane and follow along as seeds of our modern world are planted and grow to unite us all in a way, this book is almost a metaphor for universality of experience and I'm glad I got picked to experience it first hand.
March 14, 2024
This is part travelogue and part history. It revolves around the author's following the various roads built by the Roman Empire and how they have impacted life in the past as well as today. If you've been fortunate enough to travel these roads yourself the book is likely to bring back memories for you - whether of fighting the traffic around Rome or walking along a section in a peaceful glade.
Along the way you will meet experts and locals that the author consults to guide and enhance his travels. The book will whet your desire to either return to this land or to visit it for the first time and see it for more than just the monuments that appear on postcards and in books.
Along the way you will meet experts and locals that the author consults to guide and enhance his travels. The book will whet your desire to either return to this land or to visit it for the first time and see it for more than just the monuments that appear on postcards and in books.
December 10, 2023
Following Caesar by John Keahey is part travelogue and part history about three key Roman roads constructed 2,500 years ago. Via Appia, Via Egnatia and Via Traiana served to make travel itself and distances more manageable as the empire expanded. This in turn affected how news and information was relayed, including Christianity.
I have spent a lot of time in Italy, including visits to many locations included in this book. My hope was to learn more about Roman road construction (briefly detailed here), markers, tombs, Caesar's influence and so on. The author spent time researching these roads and where they lead but at times it felt like exploration was not thorough. Occasionally, information such as highway numbers is a bit dry. Photographs and illustrations would be very helpful and engaging.
Details about the villages, culture and local colour are wonderful, just different from what the title would suggest. I adore Italy and Italian history and do appreciate gleaning more knowledge from this author's experiences.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this informative book.
I have spent a lot of time in Italy, including visits to many locations included in this book. My hope was to learn more about Roman road construction (briefly detailed here), markers, tombs, Caesar's influence and so on. The author spent time researching these roads and where they lead but at times it felt like exploration was not thorough. Occasionally, information such as highway numbers is a bit dry. Photographs and illustrations would be very helpful and engaging.
Details about the villages, culture and local colour are wonderful, just different from what the title would suggest. I adore Italy and Italian history and do appreciate gleaning more knowledge from this author's experiences.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this informative book.
August 4, 2023
Interesting, but would have been better without the person anecdotes. Those made what I thought would be a journey through history into a travelogue.
September 3, 2024
Enjoyable but had higher expectations
February 18, 2024
Very disappointing. Like sitting in someone's living room watching an interminable slideshow of their recent vacation
August 6, 2023
Contrary to the title, this book is not about following Caesar. I would wager that the number of times he talks about getting a cup of coffee exceeds the number of times Caesar is discussed in any detail. Rather, it is about the author's journey retracing the paths of three important Roman roads: the Via Appia, the Via Egnatia and the Via Traiana.
Many notable figures in history trod these roads including Caesar, Marc Antony, Brutus, St. Paul, Horace and Virgil. They were the vehicle through which the Romans extended and maintained their empire. Keahey read extensively in preparation for this trip but little of that research reaches the page. The poet Horace wrote a satire regarding a journey he took during one of the Roman Civil Wars and the author's trip was in part designed to follow the same route. The quotes from Homer are few though.
Keahey is not a historian and Following Caesar reads as much as a travel journal as anything else. Unfortunately the account of his travels is dry and much of it boring. Stories of his parking travails and coffee breaks abound. Many of the places he visited were closed or could not be found. Others were seen because he stumbled into a knowledgeable guide who showed him something unique and memorable. Nearly all of these sites however, were hidden away on private land. He records a number of "memorable" meals but neglects to say the name of the restaurant, what was on the menu and what made them memorable.
Following Caesar is bereft of usable information for a traveler wishing to take this journey. It does supply some historical information but not a lot. It fails to describe in detail what might interest or entertain a reader. I cannot recommend this book
Many notable figures in history trod these roads including Caesar, Marc Antony, Brutus, St. Paul, Horace and Virgil. They were the vehicle through which the Romans extended and maintained their empire. Keahey read extensively in preparation for this trip but little of that research reaches the page. The poet Horace wrote a satire regarding a journey he took during one of the Roman Civil Wars and the author's trip was in part designed to follow the same route. The quotes from Homer are few though.
Keahey is not a historian and Following Caesar reads as much as a travel journal as anything else. Unfortunately the account of his travels is dry and much of it boring. Stories of his parking travails and coffee breaks abound. Many of the places he visited were closed or could not be found. Others were seen because he stumbled into a knowledgeable guide who showed him something unique and memorable. Nearly all of these sites however, were hidden away on private land. He records a number of "memorable" meals but neglects to say the name of the restaurant, what was on the menu and what made them memorable.
Following Caesar is bereft of usable information for a traveler wishing to take this journey. It does supply some historical information but not a lot. It fails to describe in detail what might interest or entertain a reader. I cannot recommend this book
December 8, 2023
FOLLOWING CAESAR by John Keahey is all I hoped for in nonfiction diving deep into history and presenting it fresh with a unique perspective. It went even further with Keahey's excellent writing and voice, the stories that he shared. I am left with a hunger to walk these roads for myself and learn more about that exceptional time with a remarkable leader. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased reviews.
January 27, 2024
John Keahey takes the reader on a roadtrip along some of our oldest roads--Via Appia, Via Egnatia, and Via Traiana. With the unique twist of traveling during the pandemic, with varying degrees of testing requirements, some places off limits, and presumably, fewer tourists, this part-travelogue, part-history lesson puts a very contemporary twist on the journey. This book definitely made me want to explore history from a different perspective. #FollowingCaesar #NetGalley
August 21, 2023
It's a travelogue with both ancient and recent perspectives. I thought it was fascinating and wish that I could have sneaked into the luggage to go along on this trip. In lieu of that I am happy with reading this book now and later.
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
January 17, 2024
Newsman John Keahey has produced a wonderful history/travelogue of the "Via Appia" or as it is commonly known "The Romans Road." From how Caesar constantly borrowed money to have it built to the current day this is a charming and worthy addition to both travel writing and history.
February 28, 2024
New author for me but love the style. This was great! Makes me want to go back to Italy…For now, I’ll settle for re-watching Rome on HBO.
December 19, 2023
The Publisher Says: A travel narrative following three ancient roads and looking at more than two thousand years of history of Ancient Rome through the modern eye.
In 66 B.C., young, ambitious Julius Caesar, seeking recognition and authority, became the curator of the Via Appia. He borrowed significant sums to restore the ancient highway. It was a way to curry favor from Roman citizens in villages along the route, built from Rome to Brindisi between 312-191 B.C. He succeeded and rapidly grew in popularity. After achieving greatness in Rome and the far reaches of Gaul, he led armies along this road to battle enemies in Roman civil wars. And then, across the Adriatic Sea, he joined Via Appia's sister road, the Via Egnatia that began in today's Albania. Other armies followed these two roads that eventually connected Rome to Byzantium, today's Istanbul. Octavian, who became, in 27 B.C., Rome's first emperor, and his friend and later enemy Mark Antony traveled portions of both roads to defeat Caesar's murderers Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in eastern Macedonia. The great Roman statesman Cicero, the Roman poet Homer, the historian Virgil and many other notables traveled along one or both of these roads. In the first century of the Roman Empire in the earliest years of Christianity, the apostles Peter and Paul traversed portions of them. Pilgrims, seeking salvation in far-away Jerusalem, followed them as well throughout much of the Middle Ages. In the early second century A.D., the emperor Trajan charted a new coastal route between Benevento and Brindisi, later called the Via Traiana.
Today, short stretches of the original three roads can be seen in the ruins of ancient Roman cities, now preserved as archaeological wonders, and through the countryside near, and sometimes under, modern highways. Following those routes is the purpose of treading along the path that Caesar and so many others took over the early centuries. Modern eyes, seeing through the mists of more than two thousand years of history, lead the traveler along these three roads coursing through six countries between Rome and Istanbul. It is a journey full of adventure, discovery, and friendship―one one worth taking.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I enjoy history for itself, and the many present-day echoes of historical events just add texture to my pleasure. This historical-tourism book was as deeply involving to me as a standard historical narrative because the conceit...following the Roman roads...is my idea of a great adventure vacation. The author was my guide on this escape from home. It worked as well as anything could because I knew I was in experienced hands (he has written four other books on touring Italy as a history buff.)
While I was very interested in his veteran-journalist's observations of the world traversed by the Roman roads he then traversed himself, and by his reports of his companions' responses to the modern world as well as the archaeology of the paths they traveled together, I was very disappointed that the book contained NO maps or photos.
Don't let that lapse stop you from enjoying the informed, intelligent voice of this forty-five-year veteran reporter as he shares his observations of the world he's moving through. His lifelong fascination with Italy and Rome (men really *are* obsessed with Rome!) gives him a very full view of the countries and regions he takes us through. This book is one of those rare books that, just as a reading experience, solely for the way the author builds an image and creates a simile, is a pleasure to read.
That his trip in Turkey, Asia Minor that was, coincided with COVID and its joys was very evocative for him. Plenty of plagues to meditate on. His religious ruminations are interesting to my deeply, faithfully atheist self...the road network of ancient Rome, and its internal postal connections enabled thereby, are largely responsible for the spread of the religion all across the empire. (There were christians in Pompeii...they found a ROTAS square there! By 79AD there were christians in Italy!)
I do want to mention that the "Caesar" of the title is not Julius; remember that Caesar was a title during the empire, and Trajan, whose Via Traiana is followed, was also a Caesar.
Self-gifting for a lovely time on #Booksgiving, as you settle down in your favorite reading spot, a beverage and a snack close at hand...Italy is involved, there is going to be food talk...and immerse yourself in a part of the world that could not possibly be richer in cultural highlights.
One star off for the absence of photos and/or illustrations.
In 66 B.C., young, ambitious Julius Caesar, seeking recognition and authority, became the curator of the Via Appia. He borrowed significant sums to restore the ancient highway. It was a way to curry favor from Roman citizens in villages along the route, built from Rome to Brindisi between 312-191 B.C. He succeeded and rapidly grew in popularity. After achieving greatness in Rome and the far reaches of Gaul, he led armies along this road to battle enemies in Roman civil wars. And then, across the Adriatic Sea, he joined Via Appia's sister road, the Via Egnatia that began in today's Albania. Other armies followed these two roads that eventually connected Rome to Byzantium, today's Istanbul. Octavian, who became, in 27 B.C., Rome's first emperor, and his friend and later enemy Mark Antony traveled portions of both roads to defeat Caesar's murderers Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in eastern Macedonia. The great Roman statesman Cicero, the Roman poet Homer, the historian Virgil and many other notables traveled along one or both of these roads. In the first century of the Roman Empire in the earliest years of Christianity, the apostles Peter and Paul traversed portions of them. Pilgrims, seeking salvation in far-away Jerusalem, followed them as well throughout much of the Middle Ages. In the early second century A.D., the emperor Trajan charted a new coastal route between Benevento and Brindisi, later called the Via Traiana.
Today, short stretches of the original three roads can be seen in the ruins of ancient Roman cities, now preserved as archaeological wonders, and through the countryside near, and sometimes under, modern highways. Following those routes is the purpose of treading along the path that Caesar and so many others took over the early centuries. Modern eyes, seeing through the mists of more than two thousand years of history, lead the traveler along these three roads coursing through six countries between Rome and Istanbul. It is a journey full of adventure, discovery, and friendship―one one worth taking.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I enjoy history for itself, and the many present-day echoes of historical events just add texture to my pleasure. This historical-tourism book was as deeply involving to me as a standard historical narrative because the conceit...following the Roman roads...is my idea of a great adventure vacation. The author was my guide on this escape from home. It worked as well as anything could because I knew I was in experienced hands (he has written four other books on touring Italy as a history buff.)
While I was very interested in his veteran-journalist's observations of the world traversed by the Roman roads he then traversed himself, and by his reports of his companions' responses to the modern world as well as the archaeology of the paths they traveled together, I was very disappointed that the book contained NO maps or photos.
Don't let that lapse stop you from enjoying the informed, intelligent voice of this forty-five-year veteran reporter as he shares his observations of the world he's moving through. His lifelong fascination with Italy and Rome (men really *are* obsessed with Rome!) gives him a very full view of the countries and regions he takes us through. This book is one of those rare books that, just as a reading experience, solely for the way the author builds an image and creates a simile, is a pleasure to read.
That his trip in Turkey, Asia Minor that was, coincided with COVID and its joys was very evocative for him. Plenty of plagues to meditate on. His religious ruminations are interesting to my deeply, faithfully atheist self...the road network of ancient Rome, and its internal postal connections enabled thereby, are largely responsible for the spread of the religion all across the empire. (There were christians in Pompeii...they found a ROTAS square there! By 79AD there were christians in Italy!)
I do want to mention that the "Caesar" of the title is not Julius; remember that Caesar was a title during the empire, and Trajan, whose Via Traiana is followed, was also a Caesar.
Self-gifting for a lovely time on #Booksgiving, as you settle down in your favorite reading spot, a beverage and a snack close at hand...Italy is involved, there is going to be food talk...and immerse yourself in a part of the world that could not possibly be richer in cultural highlights.
One star off for the absence of photos and/or illustrations.
October 23, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book about traveling through Italy on the roads built by the Romans, the history of the area and the many people and places passed along the way.
All roads once led to Rome. The power of roads to the growth and dominance of the Roman Empire really can't be overstated. With good roads people understood that an army could be at any point of insurrection or dissent. Roads also helped in commerce, not just of goods but of ideas, allowing art, culture, religion to expand beyond their regions. These roads still exist even today in many spots, still doing a job that anyone in this country would be proud of, and in many places envious of. 2500 or so years later John Keahey, journalist, historian, writer and wanderer decided to follow these roads and see where they would take him, and what he would find on the way. Following Caesar: From Rome to Constantinople, the Pathways That Planted the Seeds of Empire is a travelogue history of what Keahey discovered, driving, walking, talking with others and learning from the history he found.
The beginning of the book discusses the origins of the trek, but of course COVID derailed many of these plans. Keahey discusses how even after vaccines had eased some restrictions how Europe was reacting, with numerous tests, and problems in understanding America's paper cards over Europe's Green Pass system. The book is told in the order of which cities appear and there might be some jumping of time, but there really isn't any problems understanding the narrative. The book is set as a travelogue with historical diversions. Keahey had an interesting way of traveling. Coming to a town and finding local experts to fill him on the the history of the area. This gave him more of a local influence to the area, and made him quite a bit of friends along the way. There is much discussion of those who have traveled before, poets, diplomats, thinkers and Julius Caesar in whose steps Keahey is following. Along the way Keahey looks for the influence of Diana on a town, places to eat, and is amazed that Amazon can send a new lens cap overnight to one of his new friends.
As much a travel story set in modern times, as a history of Rome, its roads, and relations. The writing of the book is very pleasant, easy with lots of information, hosted by a man who it would be a thrill to travel with. There is an agenda, but that agenda can be sidelined by a lot of different things, and a lot of different discourses. Keahey uses ancient maps and GPS to mean his way along the roads, describing cities, arenas ancient post offices and more. What I enjoyed most though were the simple moments, a new friend passing Keahey on to another new friend who could talk for hours about art, or the road, or why their city was so important. To read about people making friends, and having discussions that don't end in screaming about politics was quite refreshing. A wonderful sojourn with a very learned guide.
Fans of Italy and Roman history will definitely enjoy this. This book would be a perfect holiday gift for a person who would like to travel and see these things, but are trapped at home in a New England winter. The Mediterranean air, the food, the history all comes through and would be a great read next to a roaring fire.
All roads once led to Rome. The power of roads to the growth and dominance of the Roman Empire really can't be overstated. With good roads people understood that an army could be at any point of insurrection or dissent. Roads also helped in commerce, not just of goods but of ideas, allowing art, culture, religion to expand beyond their regions. These roads still exist even today in many spots, still doing a job that anyone in this country would be proud of, and in many places envious of. 2500 or so years later John Keahey, journalist, historian, writer and wanderer decided to follow these roads and see where they would take him, and what he would find on the way. Following Caesar: From Rome to Constantinople, the Pathways That Planted the Seeds of Empire is a travelogue history of what Keahey discovered, driving, walking, talking with others and learning from the history he found.
The beginning of the book discusses the origins of the trek, but of course COVID derailed many of these plans. Keahey discusses how even after vaccines had eased some restrictions how Europe was reacting, with numerous tests, and problems in understanding America's paper cards over Europe's Green Pass system. The book is told in the order of which cities appear and there might be some jumping of time, but there really isn't any problems understanding the narrative. The book is set as a travelogue with historical diversions. Keahey had an interesting way of traveling. Coming to a town and finding local experts to fill him on the the history of the area. This gave him more of a local influence to the area, and made him quite a bit of friends along the way. There is much discussion of those who have traveled before, poets, diplomats, thinkers and Julius Caesar in whose steps Keahey is following. Along the way Keahey looks for the influence of Diana on a town, places to eat, and is amazed that Amazon can send a new lens cap overnight to one of his new friends.
As much a travel story set in modern times, as a history of Rome, its roads, and relations. The writing of the book is very pleasant, easy with lots of information, hosted by a man who it would be a thrill to travel with. There is an agenda, but that agenda can be sidelined by a lot of different things, and a lot of different discourses. Keahey uses ancient maps and GPS to mean his way along the roads, describing cities, arenas ancient post offices and more. What I enjoyed most though were the simple moments, a new friend passing Keahey on to another new friend who could talk for hours about art, or the road, or why their city was so important. To read about people making friends, and having discussions that don't end in screaming about politics was quite refreshing. A wonderful sojourn with a very learned guide.
Fans of Italy and Roman history will definitely enjoy this. This book would be a perfect holiday gift for a person who would like to travel and see these things, but are trapped at home in a New England winter. The Mediterranean air, the food, the history all comes through and would be a great read next to a roaring fire.
December 12, 2023
John Keahey's Following Caeser: From Rome to Constantinople, the Pathways that Planted the Seeds of Empire blends memoir, travel writing, archeology and history to detail his three month COVID-19 complicated journey along some of the main roads of the Roman empire. Some of them traveled by well known figures from Roman history such as Caeser, Augustus, Hannibal and notable writers.
Keahey was not able to journey through the spaces explored directly, instead he had to plan out the journeys in separate legs or segments. However in narrating the journey he does not stick a chronological journey, instead detailing them as one would encounter the regions. Much of the book is centered on Italy, with a smaller portion detailing Greece and Turkey.
We're along for the ride with Keahey as he looks at ancient sites and has to also contend with modern issues of national borders and a lack of available parking. He clearly loves his subject, speaking of the beauty of the landscape and how the Roman engineers adapted the course of the roads to the terrain. He experiences both the serendipity of chance encounters with experts or being connected with knowledgeable guides and the vagaries of reaching the museum or site only to find it closed or inaccessible due to construction.
Despite it's brevity, there is much both repetitive and lacking in the book. First and foremost, there are no maps or images to help the reader understand the journey (hopefully this is due to my copy being an advanced edition?). Secondly, Keahy has a fixation on the minutiae of his day, many of them starting with a coffee and a cream filled croissant, however other foods are not described despite Keahy describing several restaurants as excellent or wonderful. Some facts about specific location are repeated, almost verbatim. Despite many locations visited, they are not all equally detailed with some feeling like a mere checking of a box where others get paeans to their treasures.
Overall the narrative reads as more of a journal of Keahey's trip that was spruced up with the inclusion of other sources to add depth or support.
Following Caesar is both too much and too little. Too much on the woes of modern travel and too little on what is so appealing about these places. Super fans of Roman history may find some bits of interest, or those looking to travel the region may find descriptions of places worth visiting.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Keahey was not able to journey through the spaces explored directly, instead he had to plan out the journeys in separate legs or segments. However in narrating the journey he does not stick a chronological journey, instead detailing them as one would encounter the regions. Much of the book is centered on Italy, with a smaller portion detailing Greece and Turkey.
We're along for the ride with Keahey as he looks at ancient sites and has to also contend with modern issues of national borders and a lack of available parking. He clearly loves his subject, speaking of the beauty of the landscape and how the Roman engineers adapted the course of the roads to the terrain. He experiences both the serendipity of chance encounters with experts or being connected with knowledgeable guides and the vagaries of reaching the museum or site only to find it closed or inaccessible due to construction.
Despite it's brevity, there is much both repetitive and lacking in the book. First and foremost, there are no maps or images to help the reader understand the journey (hopefully this is due to my copy being an advanced edition?). Secondly, Keahy has a fixation on the minutiae of his day, many of them starting with a coffee and a cream filled croissant, however other foods are not described despite Keahy describing several restaurants as excellent or wonderful. Some facts about specific location are repeated, almost verbatim. Despite many locations visited, they are not all equally detailed with some feeling like a mere checking of a box where others get paeans to their treasures.
Overall the narrative reads as more of a journal of Keahey's trip that was spruced up with the inclusion of other sources to add depth or support.
Following Caesar is both too much and too little. Too much on the woes of modern travel and too little on what is so appealing about these places. Super fans of Roman history may find some bits of interest, or those looking to travel the region may find descriptions of places worth visiting.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
November 22, 2023
Not A Christmas Book. Admittedly, I saw "Caesar" and the release date and for some reason thought this had... anything at all to do with Christmas. To be clear, it does not. Just in case anyone else was somehow thinking it might. ;)
What we *do* get, however, is actually a rather intriguing tale in its own right, of the author's adventures in a post-collapse world to try to find the last remaining vestiges of ancient Roman roads in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and surrounding areas. We get a decent amount of history, but to be clear - this is far more travel book (and almost travel log even) than history book. We get tales of espresso and kind strangers and parking woes, and we get tales of finding obscure patches of ancient Roman roadway or bridgeworks or some such often deep in farmer's fields - and which the author only stumbled upon because he happened to stumble into a local who happened to know what he was looking for. We also get several tales of various "official" sites being closed, some of which the author was able to sneak into anyway either by outright sneaking or by some official or another looking the other way.
Indeed, this was, as I mentioned above, quite an intriguing tale for what it is - just *really* don't go in here expecting some detailed treatise on the exact engineering of ancient Roman roadways and how at least certain sections of them have managed to last all these centuries. Go in expecting a 2020s era romp through the region at hand... and you'll probably leave a lot more satisfied here.
The one star deduction comes from having next to no bibliography, despite having so many historical details and references. Instead, the bibliography is simply a "selected reading" and clocks in at less than 4% of the overall text - compared to closer to 20-30% being my expected norm based on reading hundreds of nonfiction advance review copies of books across nearly every discipline these last few years as a book blogger.
Still, I had a great time with this book and learned a lot about a subject the author is clearly passionate about. I felt I was right there with him through many of these adventures and woes, and really... what more do you actually want in a book of this type?
Very much recommended.
What we *do* get, however, is actually a rather intriguing tale in its own right, of the author's adventures in a post-collapse world to try to find the last remaining vestiges of ancient Roman roads in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and surrounding areas. We get a decent amount of history, but to be clear - this is far more travel book (and almost travel log even) than history book. We get tales of espresso and kind strangers and parking woes, and we get tales of finding obscure patches of ancient Roman roadway or bridgeworks or some such often deep in farmer's fields - and which the author only stumbled upon because he happened to stumble into a local who happened to know what he was looking for. We also get several tales of various "official" sites being closed, some of which the author was able to sneak into anyway either by outright sneaking or by some official or another looking the other way.
Indeed, this was, as I mentioned above, quite an intriguing tale for what it is - just *really* don't go in here expecting some detailed treatise on the exact engineering of ancient Roman roadways and how at least certain sections of them have managed to last all these centuries. Go in expecting a 2020s era romp through the region at hand... and you'll probably leave a lot more satisfied here.
The one star deduction comes from having next to no bibliography, despite having so many historical details and references. Instead, the bibliography is simply a "selected reading" and clocks in at less than 4% of the overall text - compared to closer to 20-30% being my expected norm based on reading hundreds of nonfiction advance review copies of books across nearly every discipline these last few years as a book blogger.
Still, I had a great time with this book and learned a lot about a subject the author is clearly passionate about. I felt I was right there with him through many of these adventures and woes, and really... what more do you actually want in a book of this type?
Very much recommended.
August 30, 2023
This book was a free read available through NetGalley and published by St. Martin's Press. My thanks to both as well as the author.
Following Caesar is many different things in one book. Author John Keahey shares his travelogue describing his efforts to follow three important Roman roads: The Via Appia (what most English knows as the Appian Way) from Rome to Capua;, the Via Egnatia (which begins in Albania and connected the Via Appia to Istanbul) and the Via Traiana, a coastal route connecting the cities of Benevento and Brindisi.
Along the travels the author shares many historical points of how figures like Horace, Virgil, Caesar, Marc Antony, Cicero, and many others, including the Saints Peter and Paul, walked these roads on their journeys centuries ago. We also learn of places that were sites of famous battles, where unknown thousands died in defense of Rome or to conquer the Eternal City. The historical aspects were the most interesting to me in reading this book.
The book is challenging to follow. There is not a single map in the copy I received, and I claim no expertise in the geography of Italy. I did consult an atlas and online sources while trying to get through the book. There is a lot of personal information about the author's daily stops for double espressos and meals and searches for parking spaces which space could better have been used in giving us more facts about the roads and the history behind each one.
My rating for this is three stars, primarily because of the historical aspects that the author brings to light in the book. But this is at times a tediously slow read and best served with a good map at your side.
Following Caesar is many different things in one book. Author John Keahey shares his travelogue describing his efforts to follow three important Roman roads: The Via Appia (what most English knows as the Appian Way) from Rome to Capua;, the Via Egnatia (which begins in Albania and connected the Via Appia to Istanbul) and the Via Traiana, a coastal route connecting the cities of Benevento and Brindisi.
Along the travels the author shares many historical points of how figures like Horace, Virgil, Caesar, Marc Antony, Cicero, and many others, including the Saints Peter and Paul, walked these roads on their journeys centuries ago. We also learn of places that were sites of famous battles, where unknown thousands died in defense of Rome or to conquer the Eternal City. The historical aspects were the most interesting to me in reading this book.
The book is challenging to follow. There is not a single map in the copy I received, and I claim no expertise in the geography of Italy. I did consult an atlas and online sources while trying to get through the book. There is a lot of personal information about the author's daily stops for double espressos and meals and searches for parking spaces which space could better have been used in giving us more facts about the roads and the history behind each one.
My rating for this is three stars, primarily because of the historical aspects that the author brings to light in the book. But this is at times a tediously slow read and best served with a good map at your side.
December 12, 2023
*3.5 stars*
A meandering walk through history…
The cover of the book caught my eye right away and promised so much.
In many ways, the author delivered as promised. He travelled (during COVID no less) through Italy and surrounding countries, in search of Caesar’s path, inviting the reader along with him. Finding remaining remnants of a lost time was not easy and took many forks in the road. Aided by subject experts, as well as helpful people he met by chance, he searched for roads, temples and icons, documenting his journey. His writings followed the paths that remained – some lost to abandonment, others to progress. And all of it, steeped in history.
I’ve never been to this part of the world and though I recognized names of cities and towns, and people, it was hard for me to connect to the material. Towns with multiple names and a non-linear way of getting from A to B had me struggling to keep up and understand the flow. I wish there were maps and pictures included. Perhaps a timeline or two as well. Any or all of them would have been most welcome and elevated this read immensely. Reading an electronic, pre-release version, I’m hopeful the published book will include them.
I want to read this again, with a guidebook with me, to help me picture what must have been amazing. Gave me much food for thought and a thirst to learn more…
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to St Martin’s Press & NetGalley
A meandering walk through history…
The cover of the book caught my eye right away and promised so much.
In many ways, the author delivered as promised. He travelled (during COVID no less) through Italy and surrounding countries, in search of Caesar’s path, inviting the reader along with him. Finding remaining remnants of a lost time was not easy and took many forks in the road. Aided by subject experts, as well as helpful people he met by chance, he searched for roads, temples and icons, documenting his journey. His writings followed the paths that remained – some lost to abandonment, others to progress. And all of it, steeped in history.
I’ve never been to this part of the world and though I recognized names of cities and towns, and people, it was hard for me to connect to the material. Towns with multiple names and a non-linear way of getting from A to B had me struggling to keep up and understand the flow. I wish there were maps and pictures included. Perhaps a timeline or two as well. Any or all of them would have been most welcome and elevated this read immensely. Reading an electronic, pre-release version, I’m hopeful the published book will include them.
I want to read this again, with a guidebook with me, to help me picture what must have been amazing. Gave me much food for thought and a thirst to learn more…
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to St Martin’s Press & NetGalley
December 15, 2023
ub Week Review: Following Caesar: From Rome to Constantinople, The Pathways That Planted The Seeds of Empire (12/12) ✨
⁉️: Have you ever been to Italy? What is your favorite Italian dish?
I have always wanted to explore Italy, especially Rome and Venice. When I was young in high school, I used to dream of having my honeymoon in Venice. While we ended up going to the Dominican for a weekend, I think we may make a trip there during our wedding anniversary some day.
I love to travel, and adore travel narratives, and enjoyed this story which made me time travel into the history of Ancient Rome through the modern lens.
In this non-fiction narrative, we learn about young and ambitious Julius Caesar who wanted to establish himself as a Roman ruler. He borrowed significant sums of money to restore the ancient highway to pain popularity among his followers. He led armies along the Via Apia across the Balkans to fight in Roman civil wars.
John Keahey’s part travel narrative/part history delves into the experiences and encounters people had in Italy, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, who embrace travelers who connect with each other and share knowledge of historical sites, meals, and a wealth of local stories. If you enjoy history and travel, then this book is for you.
Thank you @stmartinspress for the gifted arc.
#FollowingCaesarBook #JohnKeahey #StMartinsPress #shnidhi
⁉️: Have you ever been to Italy? What is your favorite Italian dish?
I have always wanted to explore Italy, especially Rome and Venice. When I was young in high school, I used to dream of having my honeymoon in Venice. While we ended up going to the Dominican for a weekend, I think we may make a trip there during our wedding anniversary some day.
I love to travel, and adore travel narratives, and enjoyed this story which made me time travel into the history of Ancient Rome through the modern lens.
In this non-fiction narrative, we learn about young and ambitious Julius Caesar who wanted to establish himself as a Roman ruler. He borrowed significant sums of money to restore the ancient highway to pain popularity among his followers. He led armies along the Via Apia across the Balkans to fight in Roman civil wars.
John Keahey’s part travel narrative/part history delves into the experiences and encounters people had in Italy, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, who embrace travelers who connect with each other and share knowledge of historical sites, meals, and a wealth of local stories. If you enjoy history and travel, then this book is for you.
Thank you @stmartinspress for the gifted arc.
#FollowingCaesarBook #JohnKeahey #StMartinsPress #shnidhi
April 1, 2024
This is interesting but not at all enthralling. For me, anyway. I enjoy most travelogues more, although I loved the places featured in this one.
The author may be a great traveler but not a writer up to that equal. He rather tells more about the help he engenders along the way and the search questions to natives of these places than he does re the places themselves. It seems he wants to stress his own serendipity type of long term and slow (months given to this) type of travel. Other than the planned, appointed, scheduled type of travel most humans are able to complete presently.
The areas of core interest re former Roman Empire roads was an excellent tale and observation onus for the book. But the telling got much off subject into tangent and sometimes rambling. But I did enjoy it, although I could speed read parts as they were so dry.
The other reviewers note no photos. The photos in my hardcover were SUPERB. Excellent- 6 stars. They were the best part of the book. To view the layers and the top stones of the various Via!
Such a legacy- leaving this for us to see 2000 plus years "after". The engineering was fabulous and the idea and outcome changed the world. Not only for trade either.
The author may be a great traveler but not a writer up to that equal. He rather tells more about the help he engenders along the way and the search questions to natives of these places than he does re the places themselves. It seems he wants to stress his own serendipity type of long term and slow (months given to this) type of travel. Other than the planned, appointed, scheduled type of travel most humans are able to complete presently.
The areas of core interest re former Roman Empire roads was an excellent tale and observation onus for the book. But the telling got much off subject into tangent and sometimes rambling. But I did enjoy it, although I could speed read parts as they were so dry.
The other reviewers note no photos. The photos in my hardcover were SUPERB. Excellent- 6 stars. They were the best part of the book. To view the layers and the top stones of the various Via!
Such a legacy- leaving this for us to see 2000 plus years "after". The engineering was fabulous and the idea and outcome changed the world. Not only for trade either.
December 12, 2023
2 1/2 stars. 2 1/2 stars. I was expecting more history than travel guide/travelogue as the writer explores 3 ancient important Roman Roads and what is left of them in the modern day. There was some history about how the roads were constructed and important events that occurred in some places but it felt like it was rambling without a real focus. It is obvious Keahey did extensive research in some areas but in others he speculated when it wouldn't have taken much to find the answer. The writer spends a lot of time on how hard it was to find parking spaces and the difficulty of locating a temple. He does include some present day stories about the places that are humorous and adds humanity to narrative which I did enjoy.
Overall, not quite what I was expecting which decreased my enjoyment of the book. If you are interested in a travelogue with a bit of history from different times thrown in about the towns encountered on the routes of these ancient roads (which are still the major routes in many cases today) this might be just what you are looking for.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Overall, not quite what I was expecting which decreased my enjoyment of the book. If you are interested in a travelogue with a bit of history from different times thrown in about the towns encountered on the routes of these ancient roads (which are still the major routes in many cases today) this might be just what you are looking for.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews