Engrossing tale of treachery, secret deals and skulduggery.
Vespasian believes that his destiny is to lead Rome to a better future but at present he is far from the action in Rome as he commands the Roman forces in Judea as he sees to end the Jewish revolt.
All this changes as Emperor after Emperor is killed or commits suicide after civil war breaks out. Could this be to Vespasian’s benefit and if so how should he and his extended family play their hand in order to avoid being seen to come to power on the back of tyranny and mayhem. Could the defeat of the Jews provide him with the means to become Emperor? If so he will need allies – but who can he trust when he is not even sure of the loyalty of both of his sons. Also what sought of Emperor should he become – he wishes to lead Rome to a better future but to do so he will need first of all to sort out the economy of Rome that has been ruined by political power grabbing that has led to civil war.
This is a great fictionalised account of a difficult period in the life of Rome and of a time that led ultimately to the rise of Vespasian’s family from what had been relatively low beginnings.
All this changes as Emperor after Emperor is killed or commits suicide after civil war breaks out. Could this be to Vespasian’s benefit and if so how should he and his extended family play their hand in order to avoid being seen to come to power on the back of tyranny and mayhem. Could the defeat of the Jews provide him with the means to become Emperor? If so he will need allies – but who can he trust when he is not even sure of the loyalty of both of his sons. Also what sought of Emperor should he become – he wishes to lead Rome to a better future but to do so he will need first of all to sort out the economy of Rome that has been ruined by political power grabbing that has led to civil war.
This is a great fictionalised account of a difficult period in the life of Rome and of a time that led ultimately to the rise of Vespasian’s family from what had been relatively low beginnings.