Aurelianus

By Giovanni Ricco

In a Rome torn apart by war and corruption, there emerged a man destined to become one of the greatest emperors of antiquity. "Aurelian: The Emperor Who Forged an Era" takes us to the heart of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century, narrating the extraordinary life and reign of Lucius Domitius Aurelian, an exceptional leader who restored order and greatness to Rome.

This captivating tale is told through the eyes of a loyal advisor to Aurelian, a historian who personally witnessed the emperor's deeds. Through anecdotes, intimate details, and profound reflections, we explore Aurelian's rise from his youth to epic battles against barbarian invasions, from the fight against internal corruption to the establishment of the Sol Invictus cult.

In the Rome of the time, where power was often afflicted by intrigue and betrayal, Aurelian emerges as an indomitable and unifying hero. A charismatic figure who embodied the vision of the Empire like never before, based on military strength and loyalty. But beneath his armor, a complex man emerges, full of doubts and contradictions, determined to lead Rome to greatness despite the challenges.

This narrative provides an intimate look at Aurelian's character, his monetary policies, army management, and his impact on the culture of the era. Revealing the historical context, moral dilemmas, and challenges faced by this emperor, "Aurelian: The Emperor Who Forged an Era" guides us through a crucial period in Rome's history and unveils the legacy of a man who left a lasting mark on an era.

An enthralling journey through Rome's glorious past and the extraordinary life of an emperor who shaped the destiny of an empire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Giovanni Ricco
• Release date: Oct 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215236840

Giovanni Ricco

Giovanni is an instructor at the Culham Historical Fencing and Mixed Martial Arts Club (CSSA) in the UK with a diverse martial arts background. He began his martial arts training in 1991 with Japanese Karate (kumite) and later moved on to Kickboxing for six years and then Muay Thai for four years, participating in amateur competitions. In 1999, he was introduced to Medieval and Renaissance fencing by his master of Italian historical fencing and started training in the manual of Fiore de Liberi and Marozzo. He also joined a group that trained in ancient Olympic boxing (Pygmachia), wrestling (Pale), the ancient mixed martial art of Pankration, and gladiatura in an experimental archaeology style (Arsdimicandi).In 2000, Giovanni received his first qualification as an Instructor of Medieval Fencing, followed by a second one in Renaissance Fencing (IRSAST). He taught his first class in southern Italy before receiving his qualification. He also received a qualification as an instructor of modern Pankration (Athlima) and taught his first class of bare-hand fighting in northern Italy (Venice). Along with his students in both northern and southern Italy, Giovanni participated in historical tournaments and battles. He later moved to South Milan and opened two classes in bare-hand fighting and fencing. In 2013, he received a qualification as a mixed martial arts instructor (FIGMMA).Giovanni further broadened his skills by joining a local club of defensive and dynamic shooting with firearms, participating in competitions. In 2018, he moved to China for work and continued to have students in all of his disciplines, including boxing. After moving to England, he joined a local historical fencing school in Wiltshire and then the Hema Fencing school in Oxford (OSS) and a Brazilian Ju Jitsu school to improve his wrestling skills. In 2022, Giovanni had his martial arts qualifications validated by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association (BMABA).

Book preview

Aurelianus

Published by Giovanni Ricco

~~~~

© Copyright 2023 Giovanni Ricco

[e-mail]

Index

Introduction

The Courtier

Aurelian’s Parents

Birth

Youth

The Rise of the General

The Conspiracy Against the Emperor

General

The New Emperor

The Army

Waves of Barbarians

The First Defeat

Thrace

Palmyra

Zenobia

Gaul

Triumph

Sol Invictus

Renaissance

Fighting Corruption

The Senate

A View from Inside the Palatium Walls

Like Trajan

Betrayal

Legacy

Aurelian's Walls

Tacitus Succeeds Aurelian

The Character of Aurelian

Recent Studies

Aurelian According to the Author

The Sources

What We Don't Know About Aurelian

Bibliography

Introduction

In a modestly furnished room, the flickering light of an oil lamp pierced the darkness, further illuminated by reminiscences of a heroic era. A man with a gray beard, but eyes that sparkled with knowledge and intimacy, was poised to write. He was not just a historian; he was a confidant, a trusted man who had walked beside Emperor Aurelian, who lived in the third century AD, a direct witness to his magnificent deeds.

As he grasped the quill with practiced hands, he felt the weight of responsibility. He had to tell the story of Aurelian, not just as the powerful and cunning emperor who had lifted a declining empire, but as the individual with whom he had shared laughter, worries, and dreams. He had been present in the halls where pivotal decisions were made, witnessing moments of triumph and deep reflection.

The papyrus before him filled with words as he recounted Aurelian: a leader born in the shadow of the greats, a man who quickly grasped the intricacies and dilemmas of rulership. He vividly described military campaigns, the intricacies of domestic politics, and the victories achieved through his innate cunning.

Yet, his narrative was not just a succession of historical events. He unveiled the man behind the imperial aura: moments of doubt, personal aspirations, bonds made and broken. He portrayed an emotional Aurelian, grappling with internal challenges as much as external ones.

With each written word, the historian sought to capture the essence of Aurelian. He wanted readers to see the emperor not just as a figure of power, but as a human being with deep emotions and internal conflicts.

The lamp slowly exhausted its oil, but the historian's enthusiasm did not wane. He was driven by the hope that his words would serve as a bridge between the past and the future, paying tribute to the emperor he had the honor of knowing closely.

And so, with deep reverence and a heart steeped in admiration, he delved into his tale, striving to paint a vivid portrait of the Aurelian era.

The Courtier

In an era when Rome was navigating both internal and external challenges, I had the honor of serving as a courtier and military advisor to the man who would assume the role of one of the most determined and charismatic emperors in Rome's history. I was not just the keeper of his secrets but also a trusted advisor in military campaigns against rival powers.

A person writing on a book Description automatically generated

My position had deep roots in tradition, an inheritance from my father, who served with integrity and dedication, accompanying the early stages of Aurelian's life. When the time came for him to don the manly toga, marking his transition into adulthood, my role became even more central, supporting his campaigns and managing the internal affairs of his palace.

I received comprehensive training in arts and letters and speak fluent Latin and several