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.
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.
