The political and social history of the "Empire" in the 150 years or so after Nero's suicide in AD 68, especially as it reached its 'height' under Trajan and Hadrian (AD 98 - 138). A continuation of last year's course with new members most welcome. We look at the establishment of Rome's second dynasty (the Flavian) after the Civil War of AD 69, the period of the so-called 'Five Good Emperors', including their philanthropy, their social and building programmes in the city of Rome and the state's relationship with rising Christianity, the Civil War of AD 193 and "The Severan Dynasty " (AD 193 - 235) and how it was ultimately 'rescued' for another decade by a determined grandmother and a talented mother of teenage emperors. 28 90-minute illustrated talks over three terms. A transcript of each talk sent weekly by email to each member of the course.