Storia degli Italiani, vol. 04 (di 15)

About this book

"Storia degli Italiani, vol. 04 (di 15)" by Cesare Cantù is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the intricate history of Italy, focusing specifically on the period surrounding the transition from the reign of Marcus Aurelius to later emperors, highlighting the rise of military despotism and its repercussions on Roman society and governance. The opening of the work introduces the reader to a crucial historical period, detailing the notable changes in leadership as Rome transitioned from relative stability under the Antonine emperors to a more chaotic and autocratic rule characterized by military influence. Cantù explores the implications of these shifts, illustrating how military discipline increasingly overshadowed civic governance and examining figures like Commodo and his successors who epitomized the era's tyranny. The text sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of power dynamics within the Roman Empire, focusing on the interplay between military authority and political legitimacy, while detailing the immediate historical events and figures that shaped this tumultuous chapter in Italian history.