Sommario
Storia degli Italiani, vol. 04 by Cesare Cantù chronicles the Roman Empire’s descent into military despotism from Commodus to Diocletian, detailing the rise of autocratic rule, the Praetorian Guard’s dominance, and transformative reforms under Diocletian.
It explores the erosion of senatorial power, the brutality of emperors like Caracalla, and the evolution of Roman law amid political turmoil.
The narrative highlights Rome’s struggle to maintain its civilizing mission against internal corruption and external threats.