It is 49BC. Massilia - Marseilles - is caught up in the civil war between Pompey and Caesar to see who rules the Roman Empire. The city is under seige from Caesar's army; and along comes Gordianus the Finder to find his son. Excellent period detail, as usual, and a good way to find out about Roman seige techniques - as well as the origin of the term 'scapegoat.' Also a gripping storyline to keep you turning the pages. Saylor's novels are fixed in serious historical research, and shed plenty of light on the murkier corners of Roman life!