Rome's Sacred Flame

At the age of sixty-three, Vespasian has been appointed the governor of Africa.  Nero has also given him the task of arranging the release of hundreds of Roman citizens who are enslaved far to the south.  He is to do that or never return to Rome.

In his quest he meets Decianus, who had violated and robbed Boudicca, and left Vespasian for dead in Britain.  It is Decianus who Vespasian has to deal with to get those enslaved back.  It is not going to be easy because of the animosity between the two men.  Although it was easy to gather up the slaves, the return trip is full of treachery.  Will they make it across the desert if their water supplies are destroyed?  Fortunately, they do make it, but Decianus manages to escape to Rome. 

A year later, back in Rome, Vespasian finds that Decianus has taken the glory of returning the slaves for himself and told numerous other lies about Vespasian.  He also discovers that Nero has become even more egregious in his behaviour.

It is a hot, dry summer.  The aqueducts barely bring a trickle of warter to the city.  Then, just after the Ides of July, a fire breaks out in the Circus Maximus.  Meanwhile to the south of the city Nero takes part in a singing competition with his lyre.  Evidence points to Nero having ordered the fire to be set so that he can build a grand new city.  But, will anyone challenge him on it?  Despite graffiti throughout Rome, Nero’s minions begin to deflect the blame for the fire to a cult, who follow the teachings of a certain Christus.

How many people will die as a result of Nero’s mania?  Can his actions be stopped by an attempt to overthrow him?  Author Robert Fabbri’s novel is full of action and corruption, which was rampant in Rome at the time.  This is a thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction.  I found it hard to put down.