The first man in Rome : book 1 of the Masters of Rome series

Here are the stories of Marius, wealthy but lowborn, and Sulla, penniless though aristocratic and debauched - men of vision whose ambitions will lay the foundations of the most awesome empire ever known. Great events and mortal frailties, a vast and vivid cast of unforgettable men and women, kings, commoners, lovers, soldiers and senators are woven effortlessly into a rich densely embroidered tapestry and bring a remarkable era to magnificent life. This historical fiction takes prominent Roman names of the time, and tells their tale in an astonishingly descriptive way. It follows the life of Gaius Marius, and his fellow Roman, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, and their struggles for power through war, politics, and blood. Rome 110 BC. Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, men of vision, men fated to lay the foundations of the most awesome empire ever known and to play out a mighty struggle for power and glory - the ambition of both men: to become First Man in Rome .. Having no personal commitment to either of the new consuls, Gaius Julius Caesar and his sons simply tacked themselves onto the procession which started nearest to their own house, the procession of the senior consul, Marcus Minucius Rufus. It is also home to Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a handsome young aristocrat corrupted by powerty, a shameless pleasure seeker.Two men of extraordinary vision, men of ruthless ambition, both blessed and cursed by the special favour of Fortune.