Exploring the history of internal security under the first Roman dynasty, this groundbreaking book answers the enduring question: If there were 9,000 men guarding the emperor, how were three-quarters of Rome's leaders assassinated? Rose Mary Sheldon traces the evolution of internal security mechanisms under the Julio-Claudians, evaluating the system that Augustus first developed to protect the imperial family and the stability of his dynasty. Yet in spite of the intensive precautions taken, there were multiple attempts on his life. Like all emperors, Augustus had a number of competing constituencies-the senate, the army, his extended family, the provincials, and the populace of Rome-but were they all equally threatening? Indeed, the biggest threat would come from those closest to the emperor-his family and the aristocracy. Even Roman imperial women were deeply involved in instigating regime change. By the fourth emperor, Caligula, the Praetorian Guards were already participating in assassinations, and the ar Colonel Rose Mary Sheldon holds the Henry King Burgwyn, Jr., Chair in Military History at the Virginia Military Institute. Her books include Ambush! Surprise Attack in Ancient Greek Warfare, Rome's Wars in Parthia: Blood in the Sand, Spies of the Bible, and Intelligence Activities in Ancient Rome: Trust in the Gods, but Verify

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