Synopses & Reviews
Spanning a thousand years, and following the shifting fortunes of two families though the ages, this is the epic saga of Rome, the city and its people.
Weaving history, legend, and new archaeological discoveries into a spellbinding narrative, critically acclaimed novelist Steven Saylor gives new life to the drama of the city's first thousand years -- from the founding of the city by the ill-fated twins Romulus and Remus, through Rome's astonishing ascent to become the capitol of the most powerful empire in history. Roma recounts the tragedy of the hero-traitor Coriolanus, the capture of the city by the Gauls, the invasion of Hannibal, the bitter political struggles of the patricians and plebeians, and the ultimate death of Rome's republic with the triumph, and assassination, of Julius Caesar.
Witnessing this history, and sometimes playing key roles, are the descendents of two of Rome's first families, the Potitius and Pinarius clans: One is the confidant of Romulus. One is born a slave and tempts a Vestal virgin to break her vows. One becomes a mass murderer. And one becomes the heir of Julius Caesar. Linking the generations is a
mysterious talisman as ancient as the city itself.
Epic in every sense of the word, Roma is a panoramic historical saga and Saylor's finest achievement to date.
Review
"May Steven Saylor's Roman empire never fall....In content and scope, Roma calls to mind James Michener's best-selling string of mammoth popular histories....Writing in a spare, elegant style shorn of excess description, Saylor convincingly transports us into the ancient world." USA Today
Review
"This work will attract a different fan base from Saylor's other work (e.g., Arms of Nemesis) but should prove appealing to history and political buffs who enjoy comparing our current events with ancient Rome." Library Journal
Review
"Fans of Steven Saylor will savor this novel; fans of ancient Rome will thrill to Saylor's in-depth understanding of Roman lifeways and be dazzled by the speed and sureness of the story....The shades of nobles, plebes, tribunes, and emperors past surely are united in giving him a thumbs up." Edge/Boston
Synopsis
Spanning a thousand years, and following the shifting fortunes of two families though the ages, this is the epic saga of Rome, the city and its people.
Weaving history, legend, and new archaeological discoveries into a spellbinding narrative, critically acclaimed novelist Steven Saylor gives new life to the drama of the city's first thousand years from the founding of the city by the ill-fated twins Romulus and Remus, through Rome's astonishing ascent to become the capitol of the most powerful empire in history. Roma recounts the tragedy of the hero-traitor Coriolanus, the capture of the city by the Gauls, the invasion of Hannibal, the bitter political struggles of the patricians and plebeians, and the ultimate death of Rome's republic with the triumph, and assassination, of Julius Caesar.
Witnessing this history, and sometimes playing key roles, are the descendents of two of Rome's first families, the Potitius and Pinarius clans: One is the confidant of Romulus. One is born a slave and tempts a Vestal virgin to break her vows. One becomes a mass murderer. And one becomes the heir of Julius Caesar. Linking the generations is a mysterious talisman as ancient as the city itself.
Epic in every sense of the word, Roma is a panoramic historical saga and Saylor's finest achievement to date.
Synopsis
Spanning a thousand years, and following the shifting fortunes of two families though the ages, this is the epic saga of Rome, the city, and its people.
About the Author
Seven Saylor is the author of the critically acclaimed historical mystery novels set in ancient Rome, the Roma Sub Rosa, featuring Gordianus the Finder. He has appeared repeatedly on the History Channel as an expert on Roman politics and life. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.