This fascinating historical novel brings to life the ancient Roman Empire with all its decadence, vice, virtue, courage, splendor, and magnificence. Told from the first-person point of view, and closely following actual historical events and personalities, this is the story of Minutus Manilianus, a Roman knight who comes to manhood during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Skillfully recapturing the essence of the period in its vast tapestry of color, drama, beauty, and menace, Waltari weaves a masterful plot beginning in the eastern Mediterranean port city of Antioch. From there we follow Minutus as he makes his way to Rome and his first love, his travels to Britain where he is enlisted with a legion fighting the savage Celts (where he is also involved in another love affair), and eventually back to Rome and Greece. In the background, always veering in and out of the story, are the fervent followers of a cult named for a Jew who was executed in Judaea many years before. With the passage of time, these fanatical followers of Jesus continue to emerge around him...some among his own family. Meanwhile, Minutus becomes ever more tightly enmeshed within the circle of friends surrounding the young Nero, heir apparent to the throne. Follow along as Mika Waltari leads you on a fabulous journey to Ancient Rome.