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Restorer of the World: The Emperor Aurelian
Restorer of the World The Emperor Aurelian Author:John White The ancient Sibylline prophecies had foretold that the Roman empire would last for 1000 years. As the time for the dissolution approached in the middle of the third century AD, the empire was lapsing into chaos with seemingly interminable civil wars over the imperial succession. Without Aurelian, the 'Dark Ages' probably would have lasted centur... more »ies longer - his achievement was such that the Roman Senate dubbed him 'the restorer of the world'. Within the space of just five years, he had expelled all the barbarians from within the Roman frontiers, re-united the entire empire and inaugurated the major reforms of the currency, pagan religion and civil administration. His achievements enabled the Roman Empire to survive for another two centuries, ensuring a lasting legacy of Roman civilisation for the successor European states. Although classical scholars have hailed his achievements as those of a 'superman', Aurelian himself is scarcely known to a wider audience. Now available in paperback after the success of the hardback edition, "Restorer of the World" describes these extraordinary times and this extraordinary man. It provides all the necessary background for the interested reader, including a brief history of Rome from its foundation, and examines Aurelian's legacy to the Roman Empire.« less