Fire and Sword (Throne of the Caesars, Book 3)

Fire and Sword is the third instalment in Sidebottom’s epic series set in third-century Rome, a period marked by murder, coups, counter-rebellions and civil war. Set in Rome, AD238, the novel opens during the Year of the Six Emperors, as the empire is thrown into turmoil and power shifts with alarming speed.

With the Gordiani, father and son, dead in Africa, the tyrant Maximinus Thrax moves to reclaim the throne. The Senate, having supported the Gordiani revolt, must act quickly to avoid Maximinus’ vengeance and elects two Senators to share the imperial purple. As violence erupts in the streets and ambitious men call for revolution, the new Augusti face the challenge of holding the city together while distant territories confront attacks from the Goths and the Persians in the east.

Key details

• Third book in the Throne of the Caesars series
• Set in Rome, AD238, during the Year of the Six Emperors
• Historical setting in third-century Rome

Synopsis

The empire is in crisis after the deaths of the Gordiani in Africa, as Maximinus Thrax vies to retake power. The Senate responds by appointing two Senators as joint rulers, but unrest spreads and fighting breaks out in the streets.

Beyond Rome, the empire’s farthest territories face attacks from the Goths and the Persians, while Maximinus advances on Aquileia in northern Italy. Menophilus, an old friend of the younger Gordian, prepares to defend the town in a siege where the outcome will be decided in a struggle for victory, revenge and Rome.