Ship of Rome

Atticus is in charge of the trireme Aquila, supported by Septimus and his marines.  They are running for their lives from Carthaginians.  Using his knowledge of the route, Atticus draws one ship into the whirlpool of Charybdis, and ten rams the oars of a second ship.  Septimus and his marines board and kill many while Atticus destroys the rudder.  They then escape.  Aboard that second ship, Admiral Gisco vows vengeance on the Aquila.

At the port of Brolium in northern Sicily, Atticus and Septimus discover the consul Scipio there.  Scipio orders them to take him to Rome where he hopes to rally Rome in the defence against the Carthaginians.  Once docked in Ostia, Scipio orders Atticus and Septimus to accompany him to Rome.

In Rome, Scipio calls for the formation of a navy with him in command.  Unbeknownst to him, a rival junior senator, Duilius, has arranged to have his own name put forth.  Angered, Scipio dismisses Atticus and Septimus who then go to visit Septimus’ family.  There Atticus is introduced to Septimus’ parents and sister, Hadria.

After a lengthy debate, the senate agreed to build a new navy with bit Duilius and Scipio in command.  Atticus can’t believe that a fleet of a hundred and fifty galleys can be built and crewed in time, but Septimus is sure that Rome can do whatever it sets its mind to and in less time than required.  But will it be enough to save the Roman army on Sicily?

A fleet is quickly built and sent out under the command of Scipio.  However, Admiral Gisco destroys it and captures Scipio.  Can Rome, now under the leadership of Duilius, respond  or will Carthage’s navy advance unrestricted?

Author John Stack’s historical novel is well written and thoroughly enjoyable.  He builds up the tension as Rome’s fleet is built leading on to the Battle of Mylae.  Stack’s novel is based on historical fact including the development of the corvus, which became a determining factor at Mylae.  A great read for fans of historical fiction.