'Roman Empire of the Second Century: Or, The Age of the Antonines' Summary

The Roman Empire of the Second Century: Or, The Age of the Antonines provides a detailed account of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD, focusing on the reigns of the Antonine emperors. It begins with the accession of Nerva in 96 AD and concludes with the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 AD. The book examines the military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural contributions of these emperors, including Trajan's expansion of the empire to its greatest extent, Hadrian's extensive travels and building projects, and Marcus Aurelius's philosophical writings and military campaigns against the Germanic tribes. The book also discusses the rise of Christianity and the state's response to it, providing insights into the religious landscape of the Roman Empire during this period.