History associates the early Roman Empire with its male rulers, yet not one of the Julio-Claudian dynasty's emperors was the blood son of his predecessor. Now, this captivating popular history shines a light on Livia, Octavia, and the other forgotten women whose ambition, bloodline, and daring shaped an empire. About author(s): Guy de la Bédoyère is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and well known for his many books on the Roman world, including The Real Lives of Roman Britain and Praetorian.