John Maddox Roberts is the author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical mystery series. His writing often delves into the exploration of historical events and cultures through compelling narratives. Roberts crafts stories that reveal a deep understanding of human nature and the past. He brings historical settings to life with vivid detail and engaging plots.
Second revised edition, first published in 1995. This world history begins with the origins of the human race, drawing together the great themes of civilisation with details from everyday life. Illustrated with black and white and colour photographs, specially commissioned detailed maps and chronologies of the major dates of world-changing events.
Caius Julius Caesar, now dictator of Rome, has decided to revise the Roman calendar, which has become out of sync with the seasons. As if this weren't already an unpopular move, Caesar has brought in astronomers and astrologers from abroad, including Egyptians, Greeks, Indians, and Persians. Decius is appointed to oversee this project, which he knows rankles the Roman public: "To be told by a pack of Chaldeans and Egyptians how to conduct their duties towards the gods was intolerable." Not long after the new calendar project begins, two of the foreigners are murdered. Decius begins his investigations, and, as the body count increases, it seems that an Indian fortune-teller popular with patrician Roman ladies is also involved. Decius figures out the fortune-teller's scam and also exposes the foreign astrologer who carried out these murders—almost losing his life in the process. This latest in the acclaimed series is sure to please historical mystery fans.
Decius Caecilius Metellus is moving up in the world. He's won some money and glory fighting pirates in the Mediterranean and expects a speedy election to the office of praetor.That all changes when a man he's never seen before publicly accuses him of corruption. Decius and his powerful family of Rome's leading politicians scramble to prepare a defense. However, the day of the trial they are greeted with a strange surprise on the steps of the courthouse: the corpse of the man who made the accusation. Now Decius is up against a much more serious charge of murder. It may cost him his chance to run for office, but not if he can help it.Roberts once again masterfully sets Decius and his adventures against the background of this famed and crumbling Republic, enriching his story with historical detail and the immortal personalities of the day.
Set in the ancient Roman Empire, this installment of the Decius Caecilius Metellus series blends historical authenticity with modern sensibilities. The narrative explores the pressures of political office-seeking while introducing a surreal twist: a cultured city descends into chaos due to the wrath of a cursed individual. This juxtaposition of familiar political themes with an extraordinary scenario creates a compelling backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
Like so many young men in later generations, Roman playboy/detective Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is faced with the necessity of serving in his country's armed forces. Since a dangerous enemy has become powerful in the politics of Rome, Decius is just as well out of the city for a while. He sets out to join Caesar in Gaul (where the general has come and seen, but has as yet not been able to conquer. The occupying Roman army is at a standstill. When Decius shows up in full parade regalia (much to the amusement of the more informally uniformed veterans) and accompanied only by his young personal slave. Caesar sets him the task of discovering who murdered one of his centurions, a cruel and unfair officer feared and hated by every man of the one hundred soldiers under him. A further prod to Decius is that the main suspect is a youth whose father is a close friend of the Metellus family. With Caesar's decree that another killer be found in a matter of hours or the young man dies, Decius has his work cut out for him. John Maddox Roberts's series set in the first century A.D. vividly brings to readers a strong sense of the everyday life of the ancient Romans in the context of our own.
"Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer, a relative of Decius and his family and the head of a powerful political clan, has been poisoned, and his infamous wife Clodia is immediately suspected of disposing of her rather inconvenient husband. Not entirely convinced of Clodia's guilt, Decius delves into the intricacies of Rome's ruling class and discovers that a clandestine, forbidden witches' cult is inextricably intertwined with some very highborn people. A trial for Clodia would be most unwelcome, as it could bring to light some well-kept secrets. To get to the bottom of the corruption that accompanies the intoxicating allure of this ancient city, Decius must form an uneasy alliance with Clodius, Clodia's brother and his sworn enemy, and be extremely careful not to step on any toes."--BOOK JACKET.
When Roman junior senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger has a chance to join a diplomatic mission to Alexandria, he welcomes the opportunity to temporarily elude his enemies in the Eternal City-even though it means leaving his beloved Rome. Decius is just beginning to enjoy the outpost's many exotic pleasures when the suspicious death of an irascible philosopher occurs, coinciding with the puzzling and apocalyptic ravings of a charismatic cult leader. Intrigued, Decius requests and is given permission by the Egyptian Pharaoh to investigate the heinous crime. What he discovers is beyond shocking. And when the corpse of a famous courtesan mysteriously turns up in his bed, Decius suddenly finds himself entangled in a web of conspiracy far more widespread and dangerous than he ever imagined-one that threatens to bring about the downfall of the entire Empire.
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, the story follows Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger as he navigates the pressures of his aedileship. Tasked with organizing lavish games to entertain the public, he grapples with the financial burden and the responsibility of upholding the city's laws and infrastructure. As he strives to be the savior of the State, Decius faces the challenge of balancing spectacle with civic duty, highlighting the complexities of leadership and public expectation in a tumultuous era.
Hannibal's Children answered the fascinating question "What if Rome fell to Carthage, then rose again?" Now, the Romans' victory is complete--but their legendary unity will be tested.
Set against the backdrop of Campania, Decius Caecilius Metellus, a praetor peregrinus, faces unexpected challenges when a priest's daughter is murdered near Vesuvius. While enjoying a break with his wife, Julia, the couple's tranquility is shattered as Decius must navigate the complexities of justice in a foreign land. He is determined to uncover the truth and protect a young boy wrongfully accused by the townspeople, highlighting themes of innocence, justice, and the burdens of authority.
Roman magistrate Decius Caecilius Metellus must discover who is killing the priests of Apollo before the countryside explodes in violence.
Dispatched to the Mediterranean to clear the sea of pirates, playboy detective Decius Caecilius Metellus is forced to humor an overenthusiastic Princess Cleopatra and decipher clues that hint at a larger conspiracy behind increasing pirate activity.
As the Roman Republic expands its frontiers, murder rules the streets of Rome, a situation that draws the interest of civil servant Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, who is determined to infiltrate the murderous group he deems responsible
02 Who killed Ambassador Bloodarrow?When the Lord of Tarsis finds himself with a politically volatile murder on his hands, he turns to the three most expendable inhabitants of the city of a solution. A mercenary, a poet-assassin, and a thief might not be everyone's first choice for detectives. But they find they're quite good at bringing murderers to justice.Perhaps a little too good . . .Who killed Ambassador Bloodarrow?When the Lord of Tarsis finds himself with a politically volatile murder on his hands, he turns to the three most expendable inhabitants of the city of a solution. A mercenary, a poet-assassin, and a thief might not be everyone's first choice for detectives. But they find they're quite good at bringing murderers to justice.Perhaps a little too good . . .
Young Conan takes the ancient blood oath of revenge without mercy against the ruthless slave trader Taharka of Keshan, who slaughters a small village--including the girl who was to have been Conan's bride. Reissue.
In the fabled lands far beyond the Vilayet Sea, Conan of Cimmeria faces his most deadly challenge. The warlord Bartatua plans to unite the Hyrkanian tribes and sweep across the world in conquest, while the Turanian wizard Khondemir plots to use Bartatua's ambition to further his sorcerous schemes. Ishkala, haughty Princess of Sogaria, and Lakhme, seductress and spy, weave their own intrigues as the power of gods is drawn to the City of Mounds, ancient necropolis of the Hyrkanians. Every hand is turned against Conan, and he can only be Conan the Marauder
Der neue historische Kriminalroman der SPQR-Serie dreht sich um Gaius Julius Caesars Plan, den Kalender im Imperium zu reformieren. Wissenschaftler aus aller Welt sind in Rom versammelt, doch als einer von ihnen ermordet wird, müssen die Überlebenden um ihr Leben fürchten. Decius Caecilius Metellus ermittelt unter heiklen Bedingungen.
De retour des Gaules, Décius Cécilius Métellus comptait jouir sans entrave de son nouveau statut de sénateur. Mais la profanation d'un rite sacré par un patricien corrompu déchaîne rapidement la colère de ses pairs. Si les qualités de Décius l'imposent comme investigateur officiel, il devra compter sur l'aide précieuse de la nièce de César, car, bientôt, des meurtres d'une rare violence s'abattent sur la ville... Une plongée étonnante dans les arcanes de la République romaine, où festins de Lucullus et tentatives d'empoisonnement rythment le quotidien d'un détective peu ordinaire.
Viele Jahrtausende vor unserer Zeitrechnung bildete Europa, Asien und Afrika eine zusammenhängende Landmasse: den hyborischen Kontinent. Es ist die Zeit von CONAN, dem Abenteurer aus dem nördlichen Grenzland Cimmerien, der diese geheimnisvolle Welt durchstreift. In den Bergen von Brythunien begegnet Conan der schönen und wilden Achilea, die inzwischen eine vollendete Kriegerin geworden ist. Zusammen möchten sie die Schätze von Janagar bergen. Janagar, einst eine mächtige Stadt, war eines Nachts von all seinen Bewohnern fluchtartig verlassen worden. Conan und Achilea erwartet Schreckliches...
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, the narrative delves into a world rife with blackmail, corruption, and treachery. As characters navigate the treacherous political landscape, themes of power and betrayal unfold, culminating in murder that highlights the darker aspects of Roman glory. The story intricately weaves personal ambitions with the brutal realities of survival in a society where loyalty is fleeting and danger lurks at every corner.
Die Catilina-Verschwö63 v. römische Legionen haben alle Feinde in die Knie gezwungen. Doch in Rom selbst herrscht kein Friede. In den Straßen fließt Blut, und die Obrigkeit schaut zu. nur Decius Caecilius Metellus, Kommandant der Polizei, führt einen einsamen Kampf. Als ein Bankier und ein Bauunternehmer ermordet aufgefunden werden, erkennt er die bedrohlichen Zeichen einer großangelegten Verschwörung, die ihre Wurzeln im Zentrum der Macht hat...Der Fluch des Rom, 55 v. Innere Machtkämpfe erschüttern die Hauptstadt des Reiches. Um seinen Einfluss zu vergrößern, plant Crassus, Mitglied des Triumvirats, einen glorreichen Feldzug gegen die Parther. Der mutige Volkstribun Ateius läßt sich nicht von Crassus' Ansehen unerschrocken wiegelt er die Plebs gegen die ehrgeizigen Pläne des Crassus auf - und wird kurz darauf ermordet aufgefunden. Decius Caecilius Metellus wird mit dem brisanten Fall betraut.
29. Band, Gelbe Reihe - Heyne 1. Ausgabe Titel der Originalausgabe „Conan The Valorous“ Übersetzung Lore Strassl, Wilhelm Heyne Verlag, 1987
Bezvýznamné královstvíčko, strašlivě ctižádostivý král, schopný a skrznaskrz zlý čaroděj – to je hodně špatné spojení. A sousedé Tormannů se o tom mají brzy přesvědčit. Především krásná královna Cambrů Alcuina, po které tormannský král Totila nezřízeně touží. A protože je silnější, čekaly by ji zlé časy… nebýt toho, že jednoho dne vstoupí do jejích služeb bojovník ze Severu. Brzy začne být jasné, že jestli někdo může Cambry zachránit, pak jedině… Conan!
Conan se ocitá v čele tlupy lupičů a za pomoci kouzelníka ukradne roční výnos turanské provincie. Velitel královy stráže chce však zlato pro sebe a pošle v Conanových stopách oddíl nájemných lovců lidí. Conanovi již nejde o uloupené zlato, ale o život
Malé podhorské město Harrogate se chystá na další vánoční sezónu. Ke značné nelibosti místní záchranné horské služby to však vypadá na všechno, jen ne klid pod vánočním stromkem. Příchod zimní super-bouře, návštěva z Bílého domu a nečekaná popularita do té doby obyčejného lyžařského střediska v médiích věští kalamitu. Jsou na ni záchranáři připraveni? Nebo jsou příliš zatíženi svými osobními problémy... Připojte se k Horské službě už dnes a zažijte jedny z nejdivočejších Vánoc posledních let!
