During this period, Pompey continues to abide by the understanding of the First Triumvirate members. His antagonist at this time is Vercingetorix, a man who works towards a united Gaul. A significant portion of the first half deals with his campaign against the Gauls, and his capability as a general and a master strategist is shown across various challenges that seem insurmountable. The book begins in 54 BC, when Caesar is in the middle of his campaign against Britannia. Since she rarely tampers with history and only adds interpretations (of character motivations) we have to assume that, according to known history, Caesar was indeed a god among men! His confidence in himself is absolute, and while the author, on a couple of instances, shows the change in how it manifests itself as he grows older, and though Caesar seems to seek some validation from his peers, it is largely a “I don’t think so, I know so” stance that he takes on situations, plans and people. The author is clearly in awe of Caesar, and by the time the book is finished, we’d probably be pardoned for sharing the feeling. (the translation is still being debated though) (and I only have The October Horse left to read) I loved the tagline “Let the dice fly” – uttered by Caesar as he crosses the Rubicon, a crucial moment in his own and Rome’s destiny. The fifth book in the Masters of Rome series, and my favourite thus far.
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