The second book in the epic Masters of Rome series.

Rome. 97 BC. A world of magnificent triumphs and barbaric cruelty...

Gaius Marius is one of the greatest generals Rome has ever known. Under him, Rome has conquered the Western world, withstood invasion and crushed its enemies. But when the aging Marius grows weak, the stability of the mighty Republic looks uncertain.

Ambitious, tormented Lucius Cornelius Sulla, once Marius' right-hand man, withdraws from his commander's circle to prepare his own bid for power. Marius is determined not to relinquish his own bid for power. Marius is determined not to relinquish his control over the Republic, but with his closest ally now his most dangerous rival, the stakes are higher that ever before. And as a deadly enmity develops between the two men, Rome must fight its own battle for survival.

"It is a powerful story, and McCullough tells it with the verve of a novelist and the commitment of a historian" The Sunday Times

"Incomparable...Engrossing...Breathtakingly detailed...McCullough has triuphed again" Chicago Tribune

"McCullough spins a stupendous tale of murderous ambition, guile, assassination, tragedy, love and lust...a magnificent tour de force" Publishers Weekly