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The Gates of Rome (Emperor #1)

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 · rating details · 6,257 ratings · 357 reviews

Rarely, if ever, does a new writer dazzle us with such a vivid imagination and storytelling, flawlessly capturing the essence of a land, a people, a legend. Conn Iggulden is just such a writer, bringing to vivid life one of the most fascinating eras in human history. In a true masterpiece of historical fiction, Iggulden takes us on a breathtaking journey through ancient Ro...more Rarely, if ever, does a new writer dazzle us with such a vivid imagination and storytelling, flawlessly capturing the essence of a land, a people, a legend. Conn Iggulden is just such a writer, bringing to vivid life one of the most fascinating eras in human history. In a true masterpiece of historical fiction, Iggulden takes us on a breathtaking journey through ancient Rome, sweeping us into a realm of tyrants and slaves, of dark intrigues and seething passions. What emerges is both a grand romantic tale of coming-of-age in the Roman Empire and a vibrant portrait of the early years of a man who would become the most powerful ruler on earth: Julius Caesar.
On the lush Italian peninsula, a new empire is taking shape. At its heart is the city of Rome, a place of glory and decadence, beauty and bloodshed. Against this vivid backdrop, two boys are growing to manhood, dreaming of battles, fame, and glory in service of the mightiest empire the world has ever known. One is the son of a senator, a boy of privilege and ambition to whom much has been given and from whom much is expected. The other is a bastard child, a boy of strength and cunning, whose love for his adoptive family-and his adoptive brother-will be the most powerful force in his life.
As young Gaius and Marcus are trained in the art of combat-under the tutelage of one of Rome's most fearsome gladiators-Rome itself is being rocked by the art of treachery and ambition, caught in a tug-of-war as two rival generals, Marius and Sulla, push the empire toward civil war. For Marcus, a bloody campaign in Greece will become a young soldier's proving ground. For Gaius, the equally deadly infighting of the Roman Senate will be the battlefield where he hones his courage and skill. And for both, the love of an extraordinary slave girl will be an honor each will covet but only one will win.
The two friends are forced to walk different paths, and by the time they meet again everything will have changed. Both will have known love, loss, and violence. And the land where they were once innocent will be thrust into the grip of bitter conflict-a conflict that will set Roman against Roman...and put their friendship to the ultimate test.
Brilliantly interweaving history and adventure, Conn Iggulden conjures a stunning array of contrasts-from the bloody stench of a battlefield to the opulence of the greatest city in history, from the tenderness of a lover to the treachery of an assassin. Superbly rendered, grippingly told, Emperor, The Gates of Rome is a work of vaulting imagination from a powerful new voice in historical fiction. "From the Hardcover edition."(less)

Mass Market Paperback, 448 pages

Published March 27th 2007 by Dell Books (first published January 1st 2003)

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Jun 19, 2011 David rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, classics

William Bernhardt, author of Nemesis, is quoted on The Gates of Rome as saying "what Robert Graves did for Claudius, Conn Iggulden now does for...Julies Caesar." This would be true of Robert Graves was a thriller writing moron willing to ignore factual history at a moment's notice for mere literary convenience.

In his historical note afterward, Iggulden does mention that most of Julius Caesar's childhood is a mystery to historians. Iggulden could be forgiven for taking his liberties in with this...more William Bernhardt, author of Nemesis, is quoted on The Gates of Rome as saying "what Robert Graves did for Claudius, Conn Iggulden now does for...Julies Caesar." This would be true of Robert Graves was a thriller writing moron willing to ignore factual history at a moment's notice for mere literary convenience.

In his historical note afterward, Iggulden does mention that most of Julius Caesar's childhood is a mystery to historians. Iggulden could be forgiven for taking his liberties in with this period of the future dictator's life without taking too much flack (if only because his theories could not be disproven). However, there is little excuse for how he bastardized the competition between Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla.

Iggulden portarys Marius as being a populist infinitely younger than he was by the time Julius Caesar was born. Sulla is reduced to being an implied deviant obsessed with worshiping Aphrodite, but may still be a brilliant general in his spare time. In the books "climatic" final battle, Sulla murders Marius outside a siege of Rome while Marius shouts to his legion to burn the city. Other than Sulla marching on Rome, both events are purely fiction. Marius died weeks after assuming his unprecedented seventh consulship. Sulla went on to fill the vacuum left by Marius death, but would peacefully resign the powers of a dictator after reforming the Roman constitution. Both men were far better than the shallow, vain political power-mongers Iggulden paints them as.

Leaving aside his glaring fictionalization, Iggulden seems to delight in creating wholly unappealing main characters. I found it difficult to care about Caesar, who fluctuates between petulant aristocratic child and rich California play boy during the course of the book. His childhood friend, the fictitious Marcus, is little more than a two-dimensional exploration of a wanna-be Legionnaire. His appearances in the novel after leaving Caesar in Rome have a tacked on feel and do little more than jarringly move the reader from one part of the ancient Mediterranean world to the other.

The only part of Iggulden's fictional experiment that works is his secondary characters. They keep the book entertaining, but largely fall into the crushing stereotypes of the surrogate father (Tuburk), the mentor (Renius), the fortune-teller (Cabera), and the first love (Alexandria). If they were played by actors, a critic would praise them for managing to make the most out of a horribly written screenplay with ineptly designed characters.

I may have been spoiled by Graves' duology on Claudius and McCullough's Master of Rome series, but that leaves Iggulden little excuse to mass produce such historical garbage. I would rank both series as infinitely superior to Gates of Rome, and definitely say that HBO's Rome series was far better at capturing Rome as it was (knowing full well all its flaws) than this novel. Reading the remainder of the series would be enjoyable only to pick Iggulden apart.(less)

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Sep 01, 2012 Steve rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

My edition of this book has 597pg's, not 448pg's as stated. This was a damn good read that I thoroughly enjoyed. My eldest brother recommended this book to me, then told me that one of the character's in this book reminded him of me *smiling*. I had no bloody idea which one ;) But found it even more interesting finding out. The answer to that particular mystery was 'Marcus Brutus'. Nice to know I was slightly cocky as a teenager *laughing*.

It's the tale of Caesar's life from childhood/early tee...more

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Oct 11, 2009 Lance Greenfield Mitchell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Action-packed historical drama

Conn Iggulden seemed to like my review of his "quick read," Blackwater, almost as much as I enjoyed reading that book. Being in a one-to-one conversation gave me the opportunity to ask him if he would recommend his Emperor series to anyone who had enjoyed the shorter story. He was very honest in admitting that he didn't know but advised me to walk into a bookshop, pick up The Gates of Rome, read the first chapter then decide whether to replace it on the shelf or buy...more

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May 25, 2008 Rick rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 29, 2012 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 1 of 5 stars

What a disappointment. I did not like one character. I read (ok, listened to) 50% of this book hoping that one single character would appeal to me. None did. So, I stopped and then realized I had only one audiobook left on my Mp3 and freaked out, time to go shopping.

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May 13, 2008 John rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, military-war

Yahoo.... boy oh boy... how much do I love these sort of books?

I started with Conn Iggulden when my wife bought me Wolf of the Plains for me to read on a flight to Berlin last year... needless to say I loved it.

I bought Gates of Rome form Tesco [on offer] and read it in few days... I loved that too.... wow... does this man write books that are esy to read? YES YES YES...

On a visit to Rome last weekend I started the next in the "Emporer" series - "The Death of Kings"/.... it's outstanding.

I am no...more

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Sep 07, 2008 Eric Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: historical fiction fans and those interested in Ancient Rome.

Shelves: historic-fiction

My first real trip into historical fiction other than the works of Jeff Shaara has turned out to be very enjoyable. This novel takes the stories of Ceasar back to his beginning and paints an spectacular picture of two young men growing up on the edge of Rome and the beginning ofr their rise to positions of power. Ceasar is captured in a way I have never seen before as he begins his journey from boyhood into the man that we all know from our history texts. I was unable to put it down and was draw...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Shawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden is a very interesting read! I enjoyed every second of it! I know only little details of the ancient Roman Empire and I was unsure as to if I would like this book. I heard that this author was similar to Bernard Cornwell and I was in search of a new book/series/author. This writing is fantastic and indeed similar in writing styles, but very different time periods! I am now on the second book in the series Emperor, and plan to read all 4, soon to be 5 books! I al...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-histórico

Envolvente e apaixonante para pessoas que como eu têm um fascínio pelo Império Romano. A vida de Júlio César apimentada de aventura, romance, traição e todos os ingredientes que nos aguçam o apetite ao longo das páginas desta quadrologia.

O grande César é-nos apresentado neste primeiro volume como uma criança de oito anos em plena infância...em plena descoberta da vida. Filho de um senador, homem honrado face ao clima de um senado de certa forma decadente onde a sede de poder ultrapassa tudo, Cai...more Envolvente e apaixonante para pessoas que como eu têm um fascínio pelo Império Romano. A vida de Júlio César apimentada de aventura, romance, traição e todos os ingredientes que nos aguçam o apetite ao longo das páginas desta quadrologia.

O grande César é-nos apresentado neste primeiro volume como uma criança de oito anos em plena infância...em plena descoberta da vida. Filho de um senador, homem honrado face ao clima de um senado de certa forma decadente onde a sede de poder ultrapassa tudo, Caio ( Júlio César) aprende com o exemplo do seu Pai que na vida existe muito mais que corrupção...contudo nada o preparava para aos 14 anos ser confrontado com a loucura de um clima de horrores que assombram a sua adorada cidade.

Após perder o seu Pai num momento conturbado de revolta dos escravos, Júlio procura o apoio junto do seu Tio, Mário um legionário de respeito, cuja legião é conhecida pela bravura das suas acções. Mário conhecedor dos meandros e podres de um senado em tudo menos puro de intenções, consegue no pouco tempo de contacto com estes jovens incutir-lhes o espírito de luta até mesmo pelos mais pobres, que graças a Mário podem ingressar agora numa legião, acesso que lhes era negado pela oriem destes...mas o que é a condição social quando no fundo todos somos iguais...seres humanos pelos quais o respeito deve ser o mesmo.
Caio junta-se ao Tio nas lides políticas e Marco embarca da aventura da sua vida, ingressar numa legião.

Numa reviravolta do destino, Mário é morto por aquele que tentou afastar de roma e que se transforma num Ditador sem precedentes e Caio é obrigado a sair de roma, abandonando amigos e a sua querida família...mas voltar é o seu objectivo e restituir a roma, a cidade bela a paz a sua missão.

Poderá ser apenas mais uma história sobre Júlio César, mas este livro têm uma dinâmica que me abraça de forma violente na minha sede de leitura..leio coisas sobre amizades verdadeiras e verdadeiras missões de vida, num mundo onde a traição e a sede de poder impera...uma verdadeira luta. Existem um conjunto de personagens que nos maravilham para além de Caio e Marco. Um escravo liberto que dedica a sua vida à família de Caio, um ex-gladiador, homem frio que ao preparar Caio e Marco nas lides do combate gaha por estes uma afeição sem precedentes, Alexandria, uma escrava que mesmo na sua condição não perde a coragem e agarra-se ao seu sonho com uma força e convicção fantástica.

Estou a ler o segundo volume e só vos posso dizer que se pensei que depois do primeiro, não me iria surpreender tanto...enganei-me.
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Aug 25, 2012 Scott rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think a work of historical fiction needs to stand on three pillars, in this order: First, it must tell a compelling story that makes me want to keep turning the pages. Second, the writing must be good enough that it doesn't distract me from the story--bonus points if the writing immerses me more deeply into the time period without smothering me. And third, the history must be good enough that I get a feel for what it was like to live the events of the story--I'm looking for the flavor and feel...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Jim Gifford rated it 1 of 5 stars

Simply put, I didn't like this book. There are any number of things with which I took exception, but first and foremost is his treatment of Caesar's mother, Aurelia Cotta. In The Gates of Rome she is portrayed as epileptic, and those who know her consider her deranged. But this is generally refuted by a historical record that paints her as a model Roman woman and mother who was highly regarded among all classes of her Roman contemporaries. Colleen McCullough adopted this line in her series of no...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Andrew Parry rated it 2 of 5 stars

Hmmm...I'm slightly bemused by the consistent 4+ star reviews here. I love historical fiction, but the likes of George MacDonald Fraser and Patrick O'Brian have set the bar high so I perhaps I have unfairly high expectations.
I have to say this is fairly basic stuff. Lacking in drama and character. I managed to get through to the end because I was on holiday (in Rome, as it happens) and had no other books with me.
The most disappointing aspect is that it doesn't really capture the classical period...more

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Sep 26, 2011 Jeremy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: multiple-readings, favorite

This is one of the most engrossing looks at Julius Gaius Caesar that is in the novel market today. While the author takes some liberties and changes some of the minor background of Caesar's, Conn Iggulden has crafted a masterpiece.

The storyline is tact and invigorating. Ranging from a simple farmer life that is portrayed very well to the battle-hardened Caesar that would eventually become dictator of Rome, there is a sort of mysticism that Iggulden treats Caesar with. Mixing both some legend in...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Nicki rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: freaking-amazing, if-i-could-marry-a-book, historical-fiction

Okay, so I get that many people are upset with this book, and I will be the first person to agree that it is NOT historically accurate.

However, I chose to ignore this while reading the book. Because when I read a book, I don't read it for accuracy. I read it because it's entertaining. And this book was definitely entertaining.

It starts off describing Caesar's early life in his home outside Rome. He grows up with Marcus Brutus (yes, I know, this is historically inaccurate). The story continues fr...more

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Jan 23, 2011 Jerelyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, rome

I tried to read this last year and just put it aside. I picked it back up for a challenge read and I am glad I did. It is an excellent book, I had heard that Conn Iggulden was a very good author and as I have his Genghis on my list as well I thought I would try this again.

It is the story of young Gaius Julius Caesar, and his foster brother Marcus Brutus from 8 years old to around 18. Iggulden imparts a great deal of information in a simply effortless style. Little is known about the early life o...more

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Oct 18, 2010 Davey18 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! Five stars indeed. My wife (the poor beguiled Mrs Davey) had pointed this book out to me in the local library several times and i had shrugged it off. I was not interested in a book about Julias Cesar which was probably full of names i would have to think about and battles i would never of heard of, turns out she was right though.

Over the series it became an epic piece of storytelling. I read the first and within the week i had finished the series. Mr Iggulden has created A veritable feast...more

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Aug 07, 2010 Mika rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: historiallisista romaaneista kiinnostuneille.

Ensimmäisessä osassa Julius Caesarin tarinaa lähdetään liikkeelle suurmiehen lapsuudesta ja tehdään hänestä jo pienestä pitäen poikkeusyksilö.

Isä toimii senaatissa, mutta saa surmansa orjakapinassa. Sitä ennen Julius saa kaverinsa Brutuksen kanssa erityisopetusta taistelutaidoissa ja filosofiassa kotonaan. Kaksikosta tuleekin varsinaisia kovanaamoja jo nuoruudessaan, ja he pärjäävät kivikoville legioonalaisillekin taisteluissa.

Kirjan nimi "Rooman portit" kuvaa Caiuksen sedän Mariuksen ja kapina...more

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Apr 06, 2010 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

I imagine this review will expand as I complete the series, but I've a great new biography about Raymond Carver that's thick with small print that's going to keep me from tearing through any more of Iggulden's books for a while...

But in regards to the first book alone, I understand why Iggulden has gained such praise. Here, at the end, he establishes his habit of admitting his embellishments to his readers as well as directing them toward good resources if they'd like to read more historical boo...more

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Jan 25, 2010 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel about young Julius Caeser and Marcus Brutus. The novel had the grit and feel of Rome to me. It reminded me, in part, of the HBO television series on Rome without the exaggerated sexual behavior (except for Sulla). Yes, slaves were treated as sex objects, but the novel didn't revolve around that aspect of Roman life, instead focusing on the upbringing of young Julius and Brutus, though those names are not used until late into the novel. The brutality of Rome is portray...more I really enjoyed this novel about young Julius Caeser and Marcus Brutus. The novel had the grit and feel of Rome to me. It reminded me, in part, of the HBO television series on Rome without the exaggerated sexual behavior (except for Sulla). Yes, slaves were treated as sex objects, but the novel didn't revolve around that aspect of Roman life, instead focusing on the upbringing of young Julius and Brutus, though those names are not used until late into the novel. The brutality of Rome is portrayed along with the political manuevering, etc.

However, what I really liked about the novel was the author's note at the end. I really appreciate it when an author notes that his historical novel went astray for dramatic purposes. For example, the civil war between Marius and Sulla is shortened for dramatic effect and it works. Still, I was glad that the author took the time to tell how it actually went on somewhat longer in real life than in the novel. He tells where his work is speculative which helps the reader who is interested in the period, but not in taking the time to wind his way through the historical record.

Another positive factor (for me) was that the book ended at the right place. Caeser is plotting to rise in the ranks of the legions in order to take revenge on Sulla, Brutus is rising in his own legions, but also wants to reunited with his "brother" Caeser. A great setup for the next book. I think many authors would have tried to continue the story and make it one, huge, overbearing novel. Iggulden seems to sense a good conclusion, leaving the reader anxious for the next book.

I was delighted to discover that this was the author's first novel and that he has continued the story. I was even more excited to see that he has done a similar series on Genghis Khan.. okay.. gotta plan those for my "to-read" stacks.

Gates of Rome is everything I would want a Roman historical novel to be (okay, except completely historical) the period's savagery and beauty both are wonderfully portrayed by this author. Brutus and Caeser are tough as nails, and this novel attempts to show how they got that way.

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Jun 15, 2009 Forrest rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: personal-collection

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Trying to write a simple review of this book overloads my brain, although I mean that in an entirely good way! I read this book in two days, barely able to put it down for work or other things going on in my life at the time. I want to point out to so many things that move this book from "That was a good book" to "Wow, you have GOT to read this book!!!" that it shorts me out and I am left just saying a simple "Do not borrow or download this book, PURCHASE it!!" This book (and the other three in...more Trying to write a simple review of this book overloads my brain, although I mean that in an entirely good way! I read this book in two days, barely able to put it down for work or other things going on in my life at the time. I want to point out to so many things that move this book from "That was a good book" to "Wow, you have GOT to read this book!!!" that it shorts me out and I am left just saying a simple "Do not borrow or download this book, PURCHASE it!!" This book (and the other three in the series) absolutely deserve a place on your bookshelf for all time.

The big deal here is that these books are like a history lesson from your favorite college professor. You know the one I mean, the professor who made it seem like you were merely having a fun discussion and only later you discovered how much actual information you'd soaked up. This book is the same way. The spoiler here, and yes I've checked the box, is that this series of books concerns the personal relationship between two friends Gaius Julius Caesar, and Marcus Brutus. In fact, the first book is written in such a way that if you didn't know anything about Roman history, you don't even figure this out until halfway through for Julius, and the end for Brutus.

This book could be said to be a written version of Rome, the HBO series. No, not the storyline, but the overall "feel". This book begins the four novel overall plot that takes the reader from the days when Caesar was a small boy all the way to his death at Brutus' hands on the Ides of March in the fourth book. If you at all enjoyed the Rome series, you will love all four of these novels. It is clear that Iggulden has done his homework, and you are given an in-depth slice of Roman history, society, and culture, and the best part is that it doesn't let up. Characters and their motivations are clearly explained without boring the reader, plot elements are made clear, and the machinations of Roman politics are clearly laid out for the reader to follow. In fact, for me, one of the best parts was the author's "Historical Notes" following each novel where he explains what was fact, embellished, or outright fiction, along with what really happened from an historical perspective. It was absolutely fascinating.

You will notice that I have added the other three novels to my have read list, and have graded them, but have not reviewed them. All four novels were equally riveting in my humble opinion, and I will certainly read them many more times throughout my lifetime.

Yes folks, they were that good. I only wish I didn't sound like such a gushing fanboy, but the real answer here is that I was unable to be strictly objective about a series of books I enjoyed so thoroughly.(less)

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May 03, 2009 Jaime rated it 3 of 5 stars

Another FirstReads book!

I'm not really sure what kind of review to give this book! For the first 100 pages or so, I didn't like it at all. But as I get deeper into the story, I started getting caught up. Now that I finished I think I'd like to read more of the series.

The biggest problem is this book is that the author relies to fight scenes to convey anything about the character. Want to show that a character is arrogant? Have a fight scene. Want to show that a character is just? Have a fight sc...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Bonnie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you look at people's reviews of this book you will notice that how someone likes it depends on how much or what they've read on the subject. Those of us who have read Colleen McCullough's wonderful series on Rome (starting with "The First Man in Rome") are not impressed by "The Gates of Rome". I knew pretty quickly that I wasn't going to like this book, but kept going, maybe because I had made the huge mistake of buying the book rather than checking it out from the library. I'd read Mr. Iggul...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Dean Cummings rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hist-hist-fict, favorites

"Emperor: Gates of Rome" begins cataloging the lives of Gaius Julius Caesar and his best friend, Marcus Brutus from the ripe age of six on the Caesars' lively estate. The best way to describe the first novel in the quartet is that it's complete with innocent fun and minor, albeit intense, battles against his father's estate and staff. Although this novel is considered one of the greatest historical fiction novels in the last five years, I found that the the second novel, "Emperor: The Death of K...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Jeff Yoak rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-collection, read-in-2011

This book is fantastic! If you are interested in historical fiction, or are perhaps historical fiction-curious, by all means start here.

The Gates of Rome is the first of a series of books on the life of Julius Caesar. It starts out tracing the relatively normal lives of two boys in ancient Rome. We get a real taste of the flavor of life in that time and place and watch as the two boys lives separate , one bound for fighting abroad with Roman Legions and the other immersed in political fights in...more

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Jan 29, 2008 Phil rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical fiction fans

The first of the 'Emperor' series. This one is Ceasar and Brutus, one the honored son the other the adopted bastard, growing up on a farm outside of Rome. Thats right, you heard me. This series of books creates a completely new Ceasar narrative, one that only vaguely tracks the actual history. Unfortunately, one might say. There is little authenticity in this series. If that doesnt bug you then its a nice pulp read for a sunny day.

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Jul 09, 2012 L rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 22, 2011 Debi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved Iggulden's Genghis Khan series and so was very glad to find my local library had recently purchased this set. This is, of course, the story of Julias Ceasar. I didn't know much about Ceasar and wasn't sure I wanted to, but I knew I wanted to read more by this author.
Conn's story telling started off a little slow with this one and with a slight awkwardness I had not seen in any of his others. He is, though, a masterful storyteller and by 1/3 of the way through the book his style improved...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Christoffer Keisu rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was ten years since I read this book so I will just describe it in a few words.

It's an amazing book about the most interesting period in the history of the Roman Empire. The tale about Julius Caesar his relationships with friends and enemies might not be entirely historically accurate, but it is an amazing read. Iggulden has taken liberties in order to make the book better, but especially the structure of the Roman Empire presented in his books is accurate enough to provide new insights for m...more

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Nov 05, 2010 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Emperor: The Gates of Rome is a historical fiction book. It's about two young boys; Marcus and Gaius who live on the outskirts of Rome. They grow up learning vital skills they need to know in order to survive in Rome. They're weak and sort of ... wimps, but they grow into touch roman soldiers. This book is very descriptive and rather violent. It is fitting given the time period, and the descriptions make for dramatic fighting scenarios. The use of vocabulary is very well done by the author Conn...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, hf-classical

This book, in turns, interested, bored and thrilled me.

This is the first in a four book series on the life of Gaius Julius Caesar. It follows him from the carefree age of eight to the age of eighteen.

As has been mentioned in many reviews, there are several historical facts that were rearranged for the story. I personally didn’t find them distracting as I found the depiction of roman life more than made up for it. As Julius gets older and returns to the senate I am hoping for more about roman p...more

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In this tech age gone mad there must still be a place for knots, skimming stones, and stories of incredible courage. The Dangerous Book for Boys will help recapture Sunday afternoons, stimulate curiosity, and provide great father-son activities. Brothers Conn and Hall Iggulden have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun-building go-carts and e...more

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Books by Conn Iggulden

Genghis: Birth of an Empire (Conqueror, #1)

Genghis: Bones of the Hills (Conqueror, #3)

Genghis: Lords of the Bow (Conqueror, #2)

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Trivia About The Gates of Rome

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Quotes from The Gates of Rome

“Men respect the silent; they despise the garrulous. - Marius” — 9 people liked it

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The Gates of Rome (Emperor #1)

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