I read some of the early books in this series involving the one called "The Finder," but at the time most of the books were published and sold in England and it involved too much to try to get them....so the series went by the wayside. I like what he does in his portrayals. He builds his characters in such a way including the character's past as you go on with the story, and Giordinus has alot of depth in his perceptions as well as what seems to be a good historical background. I like the sense of mystery and respect he shows for the people involved and what is important to them. The ending here is an example of that as well as smaller incidents. Giordinus brings his wife to Alexandria, Egypt, her hometown for a cure that she feels with heal her from a wasting and weakening type of disease which was just getting worse in Rome. So they head for Alexandria by ship. But, shortly and within sight of the lighthouse, a heavy storm blows the down the coast a ways, and let the adventures begin! Cleopatra and Ptolemy, her brother, were wed as directed by their father and were to rule jointly. It Didn't work. Pompey thought he would take over, but he was well past his prime. Then Ceasar came. Giordinus had known all the leaders of the day. He had advised and worked for most of them, seen the rifts, how they changed as their power structure became more settled, and had grown quite cynical with the results as happened and the resulting world situation of the time. For me, the book had a great drawing power and the action and intrigue really kept everyone on their toes. There was always an air of mystery present and some with no answers or explanation. Good book!
This title is #10 in Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" series. The time is 48BC and the struggle for power between the various Roman generals has simplified to a match between Pompey and Caesar. Both men and their armies are positioning themselves on the shores of Egypt for a showdown. The Egyptian dynasty is are still in contention. Gordianus has taken his wife Bethesda, suffering from a mysterious wasting condition, back to her homeland. She feels that if only she can bathe in the sacred Nile, she can be healed. Together with their entourage they sail for Alexandria. Alas, they are caught in the crossfire of military campaigns and their Greek captain puts them ashore feeling they have brought him bad luck. Soon after, they become separated and Gordianus fears Bethesda has drowned herself. He also learns that his son, Meto. who has been Caesar's secretary, is wanted for murder. Trying to solve his own family mysteries he meets King Ptolomy, Cleopatra's borther and eventually all the other major players including Pompey, Caesar and Cleopatra. Gordianus is once again in the thick of epic events until both Roman and Egyptian power is decisively clarified. The portrayals of the characters of Caesar and Cleopatra are well drawn and convincing. But the ultimate story of their stamp on history awaits for a further title in the series.
What do You think about The Judgment Of Caesar (2005)?
In this second to the last installment of the Roma Sub Rosa series, Gordianus again ventures outside of Rome--this time to find a cure for his wife's illness.Egypt, as painted by Saylor, is quite fascinating--I'm now counting Alexandria as one of my future travel destinations. But I didn't find Egypt as novel as reading about Massilia. Maybe its because I've read too many books (or seen too many tv shows) about Cleopatra and the Ptolemies. Maybe it's just me.There were quite a number of interesting facets to Cleopatra's personality that were not explored too much in this book--such as her intelligence and leadership qualities. Maybe I'll read more about it in "The Triumph of Caesar." After all, I totally agree with what Saylor said about Cleopatra: "As one of history's losers, Cleopatra was vilified and marginalized by those who triumphed over her."I was quite happy with the reconciliations in this book. I do hope that the final reconciliation in "The Judgement of Caesar" will be explained more fully in the next book. I'm sure it will, though :)
—Georgina Ortiz
I'm a Roman History fan from way back. This book is organized around the events following Caesar's victory over Pompey and Pompey's ignomonious death. Gordianus is in Egypt as part of a last ditch attempt to save the life of his ailing wife, ex-slave Bethesda. While there, his son, Meto, who is an aide to Caesar is framed for murder. Caesar is so busy seducing and being seduced by Cleopatra that he becomes part of the problem.As always, Gordianus unravels the conspiracy and solves the mystery while saving his son's life. Well written and well researched, the story is a grabber and better than some of the others in the Roma Sub Rosa Series. I continue to enjoy this series as well as the Didius Falco series as dissimilar as they may be.
—Ed
This book was quite entertaining, as all of the books in this series have been. It is interesting how different authors interpret historical figures from the distant past where many details of their lives and personalities must be filled in by the imagination. After reading Colleen McCullough's Caesar series I always have to remind myself that her portrayal of Caesar, while well-researched, is her own interpretation of what evidence there is and not necessarily more accurate than others. From what is known Saylor's is probably equally valid. Ditto for Cleopatra. From what little is known it seems that she was not classically beautiful, but was fascinating and charismatic and every author interprets that little bit differently.
—Bonnie
