A very interesting look at a part of Roman military history from the viewpoint of a Gallic nobleman who joins the cavalry of Caesar's army under PubliA very interesting look at a part of Roman military history from the viewpoint of a Gallic nobleman who joins the cavalry of Caesar's army under Publius Crassus, the triumvir's son, and goes with Crassus to fight the Parthians. What I like about Duggan's books is that they don't have a conventionally happy ending, although neither is the ending tragic. The main characters just make the best of a not-great situation....more
A very interesting book on the life and times of Julius Caesar. There's a lot about his wars in Gaul and the civil war against the Pompeians. You realA very interesting book on the life and times of Julius Caesar. There's a lot about his wars in Gaul and the civil war against the Pompeians. You really get a flavor of what life was like for an upper class Roman in those times....more
My favorite of the Masters of Rome series. I really like the portrayal of domestic life and the politics in Rome. Caesar is portrayed as nearly perfecMy favorite of the Masters of Rome series. I really like the portrayal of domestic life and the politics in Rome. Caesar is portrayed as nearly perfect, and although I admire him a lot, it's a bit hard to believe he was this flawless. The various women of the title are quite interesting. We've met his mother Aurelia in the previous books in the series and get to know her a little better. She appears to be the one person he confides in, not really having any male friends of his own class. We also get to watch his daughter Julia grow up and become politically useful to him. Once he's elected Pontifex Maximus, he has the six Vestal Virgins to watch over, and does a really good job of it. Finally, there's his mistress Servilia, Cato the Younger's half-sister, whom he doesn't really love, but can't seem to give up. The book ends with his leaving Rome for his extended campaigns in Gaul....more
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