Introduction

Augustus had set his sights on clearing out the last pockets of resistance to Roman rule. The Prince Epps' health had always been a concern, and even though he wound up living well into his 70s, the specter of sudden death always loomed large in his mind. A new generation would have to be ready to step forward if and when the Prince Epps died. Though Augustus liked and trusted his step-sons, he was still biased towards passing power to a blood relative.