Harris, Robert: *1957

Imperium, 2006 - Before Reading

Before reading the book it helps to have some historical and structural context—this isn’t just a novel, it’s a dramatized window into late Roman politics.
- 1. The Roman Republic (not Empire!)
  Despite the title Imperium, the story is set during the Roman Republic, before emperors. A consul in the Roman Republic was one of the highest elected officials—essentially the top leaders of the state. There were two consuls at a time, not one to prevent too much power in one person’s hands.
  - Power was held by elected officials, especially consuls
  - Politics was extremely competitive, corrupt, and public
  - Ambition, alliances, and reputation were everything
  Understanding that this is a pre-empire political system helps avoid confusion.
- 2. Who is Cicero?
  The novel centers on Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of Rome’s most famous figures.
  - A brilliant lawyer and orator
  - Not from the traditional aristocracy (“new man” / novus homo)
  - Obsessed with rising to the top office: consul
  The book is essentially about his climb to power.
- 3. Narrator: Tiro (sounds like 'tee·roː)
  The story is told through Tiro:
  - Cicero’s real-life secretary (historical figure)
  - Said to have invented shorthand
  - Gives a close, personal, slightly biased perspective
  This framing makes the story feel intimate, not like a dry history.
- 4. Roman Politics = Legal Drama + Backroom Deals
  A lot of the action revolves around:
  - Court cases (very theatrical in Rome)
  - Speeches (huge political weapons)
  - Bribery, smear campaigns, alliances
  Think of it as a mix of courtroom drama and political thriller.
- 5. Key Figures You’ll Encounter
  You don’t need deep knowledge, but recognizing names helps:
  - Gaius Julius Caesar – still rising at this point
  - Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus – powerful general
  - Marcus Licinius Crassus – extremely wealthy power broker
  They aren’t the main focus yet, but they shape the world.
- 6. Tips for Reading
  Don’t get bogged down by unfamiliar Latin terms; Harris often explains them through context.
  Focus on the political intrigue, character motivations, and rhetorical battles—they are the core of the book.
  Keep in mind this is historical fiction: some dialogue and events are dramatized for storytelling.