by Lindsey Davis
(1997)
Publisher: Arrow
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The love story of Emperor Vespasian, who brought peace to Rome after years of strife, and his mistress, the freed slave woman Antonia Caenis, this book recreates Ancient Rome’s most turbulent period – the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero, and Vespasian’s rise to power.
In ancient Rome, ambitious citizens who aspired to political power, to become one of the ruling elite–a senator, had to follow what was known as “The Course of Honor.” This course had only one unbreakable rule: a senator is forbidden to marry a slave, even a freed slave.
As their forbidden romance blossoms, she is embroiled in political intrigue, while he embarks on a glorious career. Years pass, then Vespasian risks all in the climatic struggle for power – bringing hope for Rome, but a threat to the relationship that has endured so long.
