One man, born in rural obscurity, destined to become one of Rome's
greatest Emperors
26 AD: 16-year-old Vespasian leaves his family farm for Rome, his sights
set on finding a patron and following his brother into the army, but he
discovers a city in turmoil and an Empire on the brink. The aging
emperor Tiberius is in seclusion on Capri, leaving Rome in the iron grip
of Sejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard. Sejanus is ruler of the
Empire in all but name, but many fear that isn't enough for him.
Sejanus' spies are everywhere--careless words at a dinner party can be
as dangerous as a barbarian arrow. Vespasian is totally out of his
depth, making dangerous enemies (and even more dangerous friends--like
the young Caligula) and soon finds himself ensnared in a conspiracy
against Tiberius. With the situation in Rome deteriorating, Vespasian
flees the city to take up a position as tribune in an unfashionable
legion on the Balkan frontier. Even here, rebellion is in the air and
unblooded and inexperienced, Vespasian must lead his men in savage
battle with hostile mountain tribes. Vespasian will soon realize that he
can't escape Roman politics any more than he can escape his destiny.