The wives of ancient Roman emperors, daughters, mothers, sisters - their names, many of which have become household names, are covered in legends for us, sometimes beautiful, sometimes scandalous, and sometimes simply frightening. Historical novels, films and series - and each author brings something of his own to them. But what were they really like? Was Messalina so depraved, was Agrippina so insatiably thirsty for power, was Galla Placidia really so virtuous? In her research, Anneliese Freisenbruck is looking for and finds the truth under many layers of myths, speculation and omissions, and women from the imperial families - smart intriguers and determined ambitious women, timid victims of dynastic games, happy wives and mothers, brilliant intellectuals and frivolous playgirls - stand before us as if alive.