First post here. Long time AGE fan (and pre-ordered AJE this weekend).
I don't know how many of you have tuned into Mike Duncan's 'History of Rome' series, but it's an excellent podcast that can get anyone caught up really fast on the Roman period. His podcast series covers Rome from the founding of the Republic all the way through the fall of Rome in 476. His episodes are digestible and very entertaining as well as educational.
Definitely comes recommended from me. You won't regret grabbing at least a few episodes. Enjoy!
http://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/As far as paper books go, there's always the tried and true '
The Twelve Caesars' by Suetonius. Reads like a late antiquity version of a reality show on acid, but it's still a great peek into the private lives of some of the greatest (and worst) emperors.
Duncan's podcast series should at least make the next couple of weeks 'tolerable' for some of you.