Routledge - Bandits in the Roman Empire: Myth and Reality

Explore the hidden side of Roman social history with this wide-ranging survey of outsider groups. Bandits in the Roman Empire: Myth and Reality offers a deep look into how the imperial authorities viewed those who lived outside the law. This informative study moves beyond simple definitions to examine the actual lives and impact of individuals classified as latrones. Readers will gain a better understanding of Roman society by studying specific figures who clashed with the empire, including Viriatus, Tacfarinus, Maternus, and Bulla Felix. The text also provides a detailed examination of Spartacus, perhaps the most famous bandit in history, and investigates the fascinating phenomenon of individuals who impersonated Emperor Nero after his death. This book addresses essential questions regarding Roman perceptions of crime. It explores what the Romans defined as bandits and examines their specific understanding of robbery, or lactrocinium. Whether you are a student of ancient history or a researcher interested in social structures, this work provides a clear view of the tension between imperial power and those on the margins of the empire.