Product Description

March, 44 BC. Rome, in all her glory, has expanded her territories beyond the wildest dreams of her citizens, led by Caius Julius Caesar — Pontifex Maximus, dictator perpetuo, invincible military leader and only fifty-six years old. He is a man in command of his destiny, who wields enormous power throughout the vast empire. However his god-given mission – to end the blood-splattered fratricidal wars, reconcile implacably hostile factions and preserve Roman civilization and world order – is teetering dangerously close to collapse… His power is draining away. None of his supporters can stop the inexorably evolving plot against him and prophecy will explode into truth on the Ides of March and the world will change forever.

This is political thriller laced through with all the intrigue and action surrounding one of the most crucial turning points in the history of western civilization.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3196 in Books
• Published on: 2009-10-02
• Binding: Hardcover
• 400 pages

About the Author

Valerio Massimo Manfredi is professor of classical archaeology at Luigi Bocconi University in Milan. He has published nine works of fiction, including the 'Alexander' trilogy, which has been translated into 24 languages in 38 countries. He has written and hosted documentaries on the ancient world and has written screenplays for cinema and television.

Customer Reviews

Spellbinding
It's only this book which has made me have early nights recently, for I read it in bed. I didn't want to spoil the suspense by finishing it in daytime.

It's plain enough to most people what the subject of the book must be, what happened on the Ides (15th) of March many years ago, the regular day for the beginning of government business in ancient Rome. It was an event that still affects European, and other, events. Think of this as a dramatic version of Tom Holland's Rubicon, another worthy five-star holder. And 'dramatic' means what it says.
Did the events described actually happen? Some certainly did, and some just possibly did. I'd like to think they did, but it's fun not knowing for sure. Something intriguing is that a major player, but not just too much, in this story isn't a person at all. It's epilepsy, which we know did apply in this case. And it might have made all the difference that day.
The characters? Some are easily recognisable. One or two others, someone like Mustela, might just possibly have existed. People like him, minor figures who make major differences, still do.
If you're a Mary Renault fan, as many people, rightly, are, don't hesitate. But don't read it in bed if you intend to sleep.

A good read
This is a cracking good read. Manfredi's most recent work hasn't been on a par with earlier stuff but this is a return to form. He needs to stick with the past in his story telling.

It's not scarrow or iggulden but it's good
if only there were no need for a translator I am sure this would be a fantastic book the drama story characters they are all there but somethin in the word choice just misses slightly when in comparrisson to others, still worth reading though!!!!