To many people, the word Caesar might seem to refer to one or two specific men who reigned over the Roman Empire—with Julius Caesar being the most famous of all. But in fact, there were many Caesars, spanning more than 300 years, from Augustus to Constantine, who shaped the size, shape, and fortune of the Roman empire—including its demise.

Drawing on his new book, Ten Caesars, historian Barry Strauss examines this rich period the ancient world, and reveals some surprising aspects of life in the empire. For example, in order to survive as a center of imperial power, the Romans were willing to do whatever it took: They were conquerors, true, but they also welcomed new immigrants, looked beyond the elite ruling class to lure up-and-coming talent from poorer regions, and included women in the power structure of the ruling families.

The Romans, says Strauss, offer many lessons—whether positive ones in leadership, or cautionary ones on ego and drive—that we can learn from today.

Strauss is a professor of history and classics at Cornell University and the author of books including The Death of Caesar and The Spartacus War.

Ten Caesars (Simon and Schuster) is available for sale and signing.