Vitellius' Feast: Excess and Extravagance in Ancient Rome

In the annals of Roman history, the name Vitellius stands out as a symbol of decadence and extravagance.

Vitellius' Feast: The Four Emperors Series: Book IV

by L. J. Trafford

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	929 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	462 pages

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Aulus Vitellius, who reigned as emperor from 69 to 70 AD, was known for his gluttonous appetite and his lavish feasts, which became legendary for their opulence and excess.

One such feast, held during the Saturnalia festival in December 69 AD, was particularly notorious.

According to the Roman historian Suetonius, the feast lasted for seven days and featured an astonishing array of food and bebida:

• 2,000 of the finest fish
• 7,000 of the finest birds
• 1,000 ostriches
• 4,000 peacocks
• 10,000 other birds
• 100,000 sesterces' worth of spices
• Countless gallons of the most expensive wines

The feast was so lavish that even the most jaded of Roman nobles were astounded.

But Vitellius' extravagance was more than just a matter of personal indulgence.

It was also a political statement, a way for him to demonstrate his power and wealth to his rivals and to the Roman people.

In ancient Rome, feasts were an important part of political and social life.

They were used to celebrate victories, to honor guests, and to build alliances.

By hosting such an extravagant feast, Vitellius was not only indulging his own appetites but also sending a message to his enemies.

He was showing them that he was a force to be reckoned with, and that he had the resources to outspend and outmaneuver them.

Of course, Vitellius' extravagance eventually led to his downfall.

His profligate spending and his gluttonous lifestyle alienated the Roman people and his fellow nobles.

In 70 AD, he was overthrown by Vespasian, who established a new dynasty and ushered in a new era of relative stability and prosperity.

Vitellius' Feast is a fascinating glimpse into the decadent world of ancient Rome.

It is a story of excess, indulgence, and political intrigue.

But it is also a reminder that even the most powerful of empires can be brought down by their own extravagance.

About the Author

The Four Emperors series is written by Simon Scarrow, a bestselling author of historical fiction.

Scarrow has a passion for Roman history, and his books are meticulously researched and vividly written.

He has won numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious British Book Award for Historical Fiction.

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Vitellius' Feast is available now in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.

Free Download your copy today and experience the decadent world of ancient Rome.

Vitellius' Feast: The Four Emperors Series: Book IV

by L. J. Trafford

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	929 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	462 pages

FREE