In this chaotic and bloody conclusion to the Year of the Four Emperors, Cameron and Ray chart the political chess game that followed Vitellius’ fall. Mucianus arrives in Rome ahead of Vespasian to consolidate power, dispose of threats, and set the table for the new Flavian dynasty. Antonius Primus, once hailed as the saviour of Rome, gets sidelined and exiled. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Domitian (Ian) parties like a rock star, enjoying the perks of imperial power without the burden of ruling. The city reels from the Flavian troops’ violent rampage, Tacitus throws shade, pretenders to the throne get snuffed out, and Ray learns what a “sticky wicket” really means. This is Roman realpolitik at its nastiest — with all the gallows humour, cynicism, and Monty Python references you’ve come to expect.

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