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Roma Sub Rosa #12
The Triumph of Caesar
The Roman civil war has come to its conclusion – Pompey is dead, Egypt is firmly under the control of Cleopatra (with the help of Rome's legions), and for the first time in many years Julius Caesar has returned to Rome itself. Appointed by the Senate as Dictator, the city abounds with rumors asserting that Caesar wishes to be made King – the first such that Rome has had in centuries. And that not all of his opposition has been crushed.
Gordianus, recently returned from Egypt with his wife Bethesda, is essentially retired from his previous profession of ‘Finder' but even he cannot refuse the call of Calpurnia, Caesar's wife. Troubled by dreams foretelling disaster and fearing a conspiracy against the life of Caesar, she had hired someone to investigate the rumors. But that person, a close friend of Gordianus, has just turned up dead – murdered -- on her doorstep. With four successive Triumphs for Caesar's military victories scheduled for the coming days, and Caesar more exposed to danger than ever before, Calpurnia wants Gordianus to uncover the truth behind the rumored conspiracies -- to protect Caesar's life, before it is too late. No fan of Caesar's, Gordianus agrees to help – but only to find the murderer who killed his friend. But once an investigation is begun, there's no controlling what it will turn up, who it will put in danger, and where it will end.
Gordianus, recently returned from Egypt with his wife Bethesda, is essentially retired from his previous profession of ‘Finder' but even he cannot refuse the call of Calpurnia, Caesar's wife. Troubled by dreams foretelling disaster and fearing a conspiracy against the life of Caesar, she had hired someone to investigate the rumors. But that person, a close friend of Gordianus, has just turned up dead – murdered -- on her doorstep. With four successive Triumphs for Caesar's military victories scheduled for the coming days, and Caesar more exposed to danger than ever before, Calpurnia wants Gordianus to uncover the truth behind the rumored conspiracies -- to protect Caesar's life, before it is too late. No fan of Caesar's, Gordianus agrees to help – but only to find the murderer who killed his friend. But once an investigation is begun, there's no controlling what it will turn up, who it will put in danger, and where it will end.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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1078 people want to read
About the author
Steven Saylor
94 books1,076 followersSteven Saylor is the author of the long running
Roma Sub Rosa
series featuring Gordianus the Finder, as well as the New York Times bestselling novel, Roma and its follow-up, Empire. He has appeared as an on-air expert on Roman history and life on The History Channel.
Saylor was born in Texas and graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classics. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.
Saylor was born in Texas and graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classics. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 21, 2019
Calpurnia hires Gordianus to find out who is conspiring to assassinate Caesar. It seems the first guy they hired, a friend of Gordianus's was murdered. Gordianus sets out to find out who killed his friend, and gets neck deep in one of the biggest conspiracies of all time.
Pretty good really. The historicism makes all the more chilling because we know this conspiracy was very real.
Pretty good really. The historicism makes all the more chilling because we know this conspiracy was very real.
April 6, 2025
Calpurnia, de vrouw van Caesar, vreest voor een samenzwering tegen Caesar. Ze heeft Hieronymus ingehuurd om de geruchten te onderzoeken, maar die wordt vermoord teruggevonden in een steegje. En Caesar staat de volgende dagen meer dan ooit bloot aan gevaar tijdens zijn triomftochten door de stad. Ze roept de hulp in van Gordianus de Vinder. Gordianus was een goede vriend van van Hieronymus en daarom stemt hij erin toe Calpurnia te helpen.
Hij komt in het bezit van de aantekeningen van Hieronymus en gaat iedereen opzoeken met wie de man de laatste tijd contact had. Zo hoopt hij de moordenaar/samenzweerder te vinden. Maar de tijd dringt, want de feestdagen van de triomftochten komen eraan...
Prachtig boek. Ik houd van de vele geschiedkundige anecdotes en wetenswaardigheden die erin verwerkt zijn, en ook het plot is uitstekend; tot op het allerlaatst is het raden naar wie nu eigenlijk de schuldige is.
Hij komt in het bezit van de aantekeningen van Hieronymus en gaat iedereen opzoeken met wie de man de laatste tijd contact had. Zo hoopt hij de moordenaar/samenzweerder te vinden. Maar de tijd dringt, want de feestdagen van de triomftochten komen eraan...
Prachtig boek. Ik houd van de vele geschiedkundige anecdotes en wetenswaardigheden die erin verwerkt zijn, en ook het plot is uitstekend; tot op het allerlaatst is het raden naar wie nu eigenlijk de schuldige is.
January 3, 2018
Reread in 2018 on the release of the long awaited Ides Gordianus book Throne of Caesar
- as there is no original read review from publication date (I have read all Gordianus books pretty much on publication and even earlier when i was lucky to get an arc), I will add only a few things -
I remember quite liking this one when I read it first being about Gordianus return to Rome and his investigation of a possible plot to kill Caesar at one of his 46 BC triumphs which Gordianus first refuses to do when Calpurnia asks, but then agrees when he finds out that his Massilian friend Hyeronimus "the Scapegoat" was murdered trying to emulate Gordianus and investigate for Calpurnia when our hero was presumed dead in Egypt
on the reread the book struck me as slightly weaker than I remembered it as the mystery is again somewhat tame, while the historical fiction part (usually the strength of these novels) is less interesting, though there are superb moments like Gordianus interviews with Vercingetorix, Arsinoe, Cleopatra the triumphal parades etc; overall still a very good book, though not quite among the top Gordianus novels as I originally thought (Catillina's riddle remains my all time favorite, with Roman Blood, Murder on the Appian way, Arms of Nemesis, Mist of Prophecies and Rubicon the top tier, Venus Throw, Last seen in Massilia and these last 2 - Triumph and Judgement as second tier)
- as there is no original read review from publication date (I have read all Gordianus books pretty much on publication and even earlier when i was lucky to get an arc), I will add only a few things -
I remember quite liking this one when I read it first being about Gordianus return to Rome and his investigation of a possible plot to kill Caesar at one of his 46 BC triumphs which Gordianus first refuses to do when Calpurnia asks, but then agrees when he finds out that his Massilian friend Hyeronimus "the Scapegoat" was murdered trying to emulate Gordianus and investigate for Calpurnia when our hero was presumed dead in Egypt
on the reread the book struck me as slightly weaker than I remembered it as the mystery is again somewhat tame, while the historical fiction part (usually the strength of these novels) is less interesting, though there are superb moments like Gordianus interviews with Vercingetorix, Arsinoe, Cleopatra the triumphal parades etc; overall still a very good book, though not quite among the top Gordianus novels as I originally thought (Catillina's riddle remains my all time favorite, with Roman Blood, Murder on the Appian way, Arms of Nemesis, Mist of Prophecies and Rubicon the top tier, Venus Throw, Last seen in Massilia and these last 2 - Triumph and Judgement as second tier)
January 26, 2012
Hieronymus, Gordianus' Massilian friend, sums up what I think of The Triumph of Caesar (p.288): "You used to appreciate a puzzle, Gordianus--the more baffling, the better. What's become of your powers of deduction? Gone to Hades, along with your powers of observation, I suppose."
Maybe it was the author's intention to lay down the groundwork for Gordianus' eventual retirement. After all, he has been Rome's number one private investigator for three decades. But still, I found the plot a little thin (But I still love you, Gordianus!). And the story's villain! I knew it was him, but I refused to believe it until I read his name. He's too insignificant to figure in the twist, I suppose.
I do hope with all my heart that this is not the last (in the series). I gave The Triumph of Caesar three stars because I know that there will be plenty of room for improvement in the next book. I hope...! (cross fingers)
Maybe it was the author's intention to lay down the groundwork for Gordianus' eventual retirement. After all, he has been Rome's number one private investigator for three decades. But still, I found the plot a little thin (But I still love you, Gordianus!). And the story's villain! I knew it was him, but I refused to believe it until I read his name. He's too insignificant to figure in the twist, I suppose.
I do hope with all my heart that this is not the last (in the series). I gave The Triumph of Caesar three stars because I know that there will be plenty of room for improvement in the next book. I hope...! (cross fingers)
December 1, 2023
Gordianus is getting too old for this work. He keeps trying to retire but some prominent people just will not.leave him in peace. This book starts one year after the events of.the previous book The Judgement of Ceasar. Gordianus is back in Rome.with his beloved Bethesda and he is free to just sit around in his garden enjoying his grandchildren. One.morning he is disturbed by a visitor.he recognises from his last case in Rome. Calpurnia, Ceasar's wife has sent a slave to.fetch him and he won't take no.for an answer, not even letting Gordianus smarten himself up before rushing him out. Calpurnia is in a great deal.of.distress she has started consulting a Haruspex (a person who uses mystical arts to divine the future) and this man is telling her Ceasar is in grave danger of being assassinated. She wishes Gordianus to investigate and while polite he declines to involve himself he is retired after all and recommends his son Eco instead. Before he can leave however Calpurnia swears the conspiracy is real and she has.proof, a spy she had engaged to investigate (Gordianus was not her first choice) was murdered last night and his body is in her storeroom, she insists Gordianus view the body before he leaves. What he finds changes everything. The dead man is Hieronymus, also known as the Sacrifice (we met him in Last Seen in Massilia) if not for Hieronymus, Gordianus and Davus may not have made it out of the city alive. Hieronymus had been living in Gordianus house but had moved out while he was.abroad in Egypt although the two men had kept in touch. Gordianus counted him as a friend and declared to Calpurnia that he would investigate but only in order to.discover who had murdered his friend. Calpurnia warns Gordianus there is a time constraint in a few days the four triumphs (celebrations of.important victories consisting of, parades through the streets ) of Ceasar's will be taking place.over an eight day period and any one of them might be used to carry out the assassination. Gordianus is amazed to find his old friend had become a darling.of.Roman society invited to all the best houses thus giving him no end.of suspects, if indeed the prophecies of death are true.......................
August 3, 2008
The Triumph of Caesar is the 12th in the Gordianus series of novels set in ancient Rome. 'Gordianus the Finder' is a kind of private detective who started his career working for Cicero on a case of parricide. Now 30 years later Gordianus has acquired a house on the Palatine and is well known to the upper reaches of Roman society.
The year is 46 B.C.E. and Caesar has returned from the Civil war, the war in Africa, and the war in Asia. His wife Calpurnia is convinced that his life is in danger, and hires Gordianus to investigate. He accepts the case only because his old friend Hieronymous (from the novel "Last Seen In Massillia") had also been hired by Calpurnia, and had turned up murdered.
This was a much lighter novel than the previous few in the series. There's no sense that Gordianus' life is in danger, and no real sense of foreboding about the death of Caesar, since we know that won't happen for another 2 years. Still, it is entertaining enough, and has enough historical detail to be interesting without being pedantic.
This is almost certainly the next to last novel in this series. Gordianus is growing old, and the next novel will have to deal with the murder of Caesar and the death of Cicero.
The year is 46 B.C.E. and Caesar has returned from the Civil war, the war in Africa, and the war in Asia. His wife Calpurnia is convinced that his life is in danger, and hires Gordianus to investigate. He accepts the case only because his old friend Hieronymous (from the novel "Last Seen In Massillia") had also been hired by Calpurnia, and had turned up murdered.
This was a much lighter novel than the previous few in the series. There's no sense that Gordianus' life is in danger, and no real sense of foreboding about the death of Caesar, since we know that won't happen for another 2 years. Still, it is entertaining enough, and has enough historical detail to be interesting without being pedantic.
This is almost certainly the next to last novel in this series. Gordianus is growing old, and the next novel will have to deal with the murder of Caesar and the death of Cicero.
March 6, 2024
Continua a saga de Gordiano, o descobridor, agora já um senhor idoso a gozar a sua reforma.
Nesta minha 15ª leitura desta série Gordiano é contactado por Calpurnia, mulher de César, para tentar descobrir quem ameaça a vida do seu marido.
Gordiano faz uma pausa na reforma e dedica-se a investigar mais um mistério nesta Roma Antiga.
Mais uma vez esta foi uma leitura rápida e de certa forma compulsiva. E mais uma vez foi bastante interessante conhecer desta forma mais alguns episódios desta época aliciante da história da humanidade.
Nesta minha 15ª leitura desta série Gordiano é contactado por Calpurnia, mulher de César, para tentar descobrir quem ameaça a vida do seu marido.
Gordiano faz uma pausa na reforma e dedica-se a investigar mais um mistério nesta Roma Antiga.
Mais uma vez esta foi uma leitura rápida e de certa forma compulsiva. E mais uma vez foi bastante interessante conhecer desta forma mais alguns episódios desta época aliciante da história da humanidade.
November 10, 2008
I had read all the books in this series about Gordianus the Finder, but it had been so long since the last one I read - "A Gladiator Only Dies Once" - that I found I had forgotten a lot about the history of the characters and I had a hard time picking up the thread here. Once I did, I just couldn't get that interested somehow. The writing seemed flat.
I think part of the problem is that, since I last read this series, I discovered John Maddox Roberts and Lindsay Davis, both of whom are much better writers of this genre, in my opinion. In comparison, Saylor's characters seem pretty thin.
Also, I found his seeming insistence on the importance of Julius Caesar's homosexual experiences a bit forced and off-putting. No doubt he had such experiences - although perhaps not as many as Saylor seems to think - but I just doubt that they were that big a factor in his life.
On the plus side, as usual, the book seemed well-researched and contained a wealth of historical detail. I only wish it had been presented in a more compelling and interesting manner.
I think part of the problem is that, since I last read this series, I discovered John Maddox Roberts and Lindsay Davis, both of whom are much better writers of this genre, in my opinion. In comparison, Saylor's characters seem pretty thin.
Also, I found his seeming insistence on the importance of Julius Caesar's homosexual experiences a bit forced and off-putting. No doubt he had such experiences - although perhaps not as many as Saylor seems to think - but I just doubt that they were that big a factor in his life.
On the plus side, as usual, the book seemed well-researched and contained a wealth of historical detail. I only wish it had been presented in a more compelling and interesting manner.
September 30, 2021
Le doy cinco estrellas porque es Gordiano, pero este caso no me ha convencido tanto como sus anteriores casos/libros. Eterno Gordiano.
December 2, 2021
Not up to the usual standard. Gordianus is made to look ineffectual and the way he finally solves the puzzle is ridiculous
July 19, 2008
This is the 12th book in Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series, which is set in Ancient Rome. I'm an historical fiction addict, and this is one series that I particularly enjoy. Not only have I learned a tremendous amount about the times, but Saylor's realistic characters make the ancient world something we can actually relate to today. He mixes imaginary characters with real historical figures, and the result is that names I had to memorize as a kid now are comprehensible as living, breathing human beings. Saylor never gets bogged down in historical trivia, so learning is a pleasure rather than a chore. This is the kind of book we should all have been assigned in World History class! In addition to all these attributes, all his books in the series are true mysteries that just happen to be set a long time ago. The characters are engaging, and their lives continue to evolve from book to book. If this sounds interesting to you, I would strongly recommend beginning with Saylor's first book in the series, Roman Blood, and reading each one in turn.
This particular book was even more interesting to me than Saylor's previous eleven because I actually met him a few weeks ago. He spoke at a mystery book store in San Mateo the day the book hit the shelves. Not only was I able to get a signed copy, but listening to him speak for an hour was just fascinating. This was his first stop on his speaking tour because it was the closest to his home in Berkeley. He's a very likeable, down-to-earth guy. I was reading the first few pages in the book while we were waiting for the program to start, and he asked me if I had read page 27 yet. I hadn't, and he said it had a typo on it, the funniest one yet. Naturally, I quickly turned to page 27, found the typo, and shrieked with laughter. I won't tell you what it is. You'll have to get the book and find it for yourself!
This particular book was even more interesting to me than Saylor's previous eleven because I actually met him a few weeks ago. He spoke at a mystery book store in San Mateo the day the book hit the shelves. Not only was I able to get a signed copy, but listening to him speak for an hour was just fascinating. This was his first stop on his speaking tour because it was the closest to his home in Berkeley. He's a very likeable, down-to-earth guy. I was reading the first few pages in the book while we were waiting for the program to start, and he asked me if I had read page 27 yet. I hadn't, and he said it had a typo on it, the funniest one yet. Naturally, I quickly turned to page 27, found the typo, and shrieked with laughter. I won't tell you what it is. You'll have to get the book and find it for yourself!
December 20, 2016
I thoroughly enjoy this series and this last book before jumping back in time of the life of Gordianus was a pleasant break from my recent non-fiction run of books. Once again the characters come to life - while I would always like to see more Bethesda in the book - I really enjoy the entering of their daughter Diana into a more major role. Her character, which is a great melding of both her parent's characters is well done and enjoyable. I know I'm a little behind on the series but I enjoy knowing that I have not caught up to the author and there are still 3 more waiting for me!
December 2, 2013
Great to read Saylor's description of the Roman forum just after I spent a couple of days wandering around the forum in Rome myself. Not much suspense in the mystery solved here, but the characters in this series are well established and Saylor's knowledge of ancient Rome makes this series one of my favorite mystery reads.
April 29, 2018
This is the latest (and if the ending can be trusted last) in a series on Gordianus. It started slowly, and I was afraid it was symptomatic of a too prolonged series. But as it approached the Ides of March the action picked up, as Saylor swept in his huge cast of characters.
The end was fun, dramatic and (to me)unexpected. If it were not for the slow start it would a five rating.
The end was fun, dramatic and (to me)unexpected. If it were not for the slow start it would a five rating.
May 3, 2015
That's it?!?! There's no more?!?! Now what am I going to do?
I had been putting off starting this novel knowing it is the final book in the Gordianus the Finder series. Well, I started it and now I'm finished with it. I feel slightly empty. I feel slightly disappointed. There were a few things the bothered me about this novel. One was the lack of Eco. Eco has more or less disappeared from the novels since that whole deal with Catalina. I was always a little bummed out by that aspect of the story. The idea of a father/son, Gordianus/Eco team was rather intriguing. Two, you can't just go and tease Diana as a replacement. Diana has always been a background character (albeit an important background character) but suddenly in this final novel, the reader is suppose to believe she's the heir to the Finder? I'm not buying it. I'm not saying it's not possible. The whole situation just feels forced and rushed. I would have liked to have seen some more development. Three, I miss the back and forth of Mopsus and Androcles. I could read a series of novels featuring the antics of those two trouble makers.
Overall, I found this novel to be a fitting end to Gordianus the Finder. Would I like to witness the end of Caesar through the eyes of Gordianus? Sure, but I'm content with this. There doesn't need to be anymore.
I had been putting off starting this novel knowing it is the final book in the Gordianus the Finder series. Well, I started it and now I'm finished with it. I feel slightly empty. I feel slightly disappointed. There were a few things the bothered me about this novel. One was the lack of Eco. Eco has more or less disappeared from the novels since that whole deal with Catalina. I was always a little bummed out by that aspect of the story. The idea of a father/son, Gordianus/Eco team was rather intriguing. Two, you can't just go and tease Diana as a replacement. Diana has always been a background character (albeit an important background character) but suddenly in this final novel, the reader is suppose to believe she's the heir to the Finder? I'm not buying it. I'm not saying it's not possible. The whole situation just feels forced and rushed. I would have liked to have seen some more development. Three, I miss the back and forth of Mopsus and Androcles. I could read a series of novels featuring the antics of those two trouble makers.
Overall, I found this novel to be a fitting end to Gordianus the Finder. Would I like to witness the end of Caesar through the eyes of Gordianus? Sure, but I'm content with this. There doesn't need to be anymore.
March 17, 2011
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. In this book, there is a discussion about the Roman calendar and the need for a new calendar. My husband asked me if Methuselah's life years were the same as ours and, based on this book, it seems they might not have been. I will need to find more on the topic. I also realized that burial in Roman times was really different from now - no embalming, cremation. The stench must have been prominent! Finally, the main character (Gordianus the Finder) is a type of detective. His style of detecting is found in other centuries and in other characters (Precious Ramotswe in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and Vish Puri ofThe Case of the Missing Servant come to mind). A nicely written story of ancient times! It only goes to prove that a mystery is a mystery in every setting.
July 26, 2021
Última novela de la saga de Gordiano en cuanto a hechos. Amable y fácil de leer, quizá con más ingredientes del policial y menos de la histórica que a lo que nos tiene acostumbrados Saylor.
No es la mejor novela del autor, a ratos se me hizo lenta, pero vale la pena. Espero que a Saylor le de por sacar una sobre los Idus de Marzo del 44, pero nunca se sabe. Gordiano no podrá darnos a conocer a través de sus ojos a Octavio y sus alborotados tiempos, pero tal vez, sólo tal vez, Saylor opine que Eco puede ser un continuador de su padre, no sólo en el arte de olfatear la verdad, sino en el de narrárnoslo.
Recomendable novela, en general.
Edito la reseña en relectura de 2021 porque, en efecto, Saylor ha continuado la saga con El trono de César.
Sigo deseando una continuación de la Saga en Eco el Sabueso. No sé si estará en los planes de Saylor, pero qué interesante período que viene a continuación y qué lástima sería que Saylor no nos muestre su perspectiva.
No es la mejor novela del autor, a ratos se me hizo lenta, pero vale la pena. Espero que a Saylor le de por sacar una sobre los Idus de Marzo del 44, pero nunca se sabe. Gordiano no podrá darnos a conocer a través de sus ojos a Octavio y sus alborotados tiempos, pero tal vez, sólo tal vez, Saylor opine que Eco puede ser un continuador de su padre, no sólo en el arte de olfatear la verdad, sino en el de narrárnoslo.
Recomendable novela, en general.
Edito la reseña en relectura de 2021 porque, en efecto, Saylor ha continuado la saga con El trono de César.
Sigo deseando una continuación de la Saga en Eco el Sabueso. No sé si estará en los planes de Saylor, pero qué interesante período que viene a continuación y qué lástima sería que Saylor no nos muestre su perspectiva.
June 25, 2012
well, this one just felt tired. maybe Gordianus needs an afternoon nap - since he is getting old. After all the other books, this one would be the bottom of the Saylors' barrel. It seemed that histoty got in the way of a good story. And that magical realism bit, well, that came out of left field. the last book was a bit mystical, too. the book needed a spark, but the a mystical element didn't really work. Better luck next time, Saylor.
August 20, 2016
"The Triumph of Cesar" by Steven Saylor Gave this 5 stars. Like how this Authors uses 1st person. Writes as if he were talking to the reader. A bit of advise read on a reader or have your computer close so you can look up local, countries and many of the Roman terms he uses. Ceasars wife Calpurnia engages Gordianus "the finder" (Roman version PI) to discover who is piloting to kill Ceasar.
February 5, 2021
I love this series of books.......this newest story of Gordianus, The Finder, is as good as any of the other books in the series.
March 8, 2023
This historical Roman adventure/mystery is the 15th volume, chronologically wise, of the wonderful "Gordianus the Finder" series.
Storytelling is excellent, the historical details, as far as possible, are superbly implemented within this story, while all figures are very lifelike and circumstances in Rome are wonderfully described.
At the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Author's Note, where the historical details about this period of history are explained by the author.
The book is mainly situated in the year 46 BC, with a final chapter in 45 BC, and all of the action will take place in Rome.
The book is more or less all about the triumphs of Caesar, four in all and on different days, when Calpurnia, wife of Caesar, fears for the Dictator's life instilled on her by her haruspex, Porsenna, after the murder of Hieronymus, and so will turn to Gordianus to find the instigator of this deadly plot.
For Gordianus the murder of his friend, Hieronymus, is the reason for taking this on, while at the same time thinking whether its worth it saving Caesar's life, but eventually the case will get more frustrated due to Hieronymus's notes which will drive him in circles, until he gets help from his clever daughter, Diana, and finally a mystical connection with Hieronymus.
What is to follow is an exciting story, but certainly not his best mystery like, in which with some help from his daughter, Diana, Gordianus will come up with the solution towards the predictable truth of this case and the danger to Caesar's life, and thus finally to its eventful conclusion.
Very much recommended, for this is another educational addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Entertaining Turbulent Triumph"!
Storytelling is excellent, the historical details, as far as possible, are superbly implemented within this story, while all figures are very lifelike and circumstances in Rome are wonderfully described.
At the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Author's Note, where the historical details about this period of history are explained by the author.
The book is mainly situated in the year 46 BC, with a final chapter in 45 BC, and all of the action will take place in Rome.
The book is more or less all about the triumphs of Caesar, four in all and on different days, when Calpurnia, wife of Caesar, fears for the Dictator's life instilled on her by her haruspex, Porsenna, after the murder of Hieronymus, and so will turn to Gordianus to find the instigator of this deadly plot.
For Gordianus the murder of his friend, Hieronymus, is the reason for taking this on, while at the same time thinking whether its worth it saving Caesar's life, but eventually the case will get more frustrated due to Hieronymus's notes which will drive him in circles, until he gets help from his clever daughter, Diana, and finally a mystical connection with Hieronymus.
What is to follow is an exciting story, but certainly not his best mystery like, in which with some help from his daughter, Diana, Gordianus will come up with the solution towards the predictable truth of this case and the danger to Caesar's life, and thus finally to its eventful conclusion.
Very much recommended, for this is another educational addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Entertaining Turbulent Triumph"!
December 9, 2024
I consider myself a Roma Sub Rosa fan, even though I'm 16 years behind on my reading. I recommend the series, I recommend this volume (despite docking it a star), and I might suggest not reading this series simultaneously with the Lindsey Davis series featuring Didius Falco. Falco is set during the Flavian Dynasty of the Empire, Gordianus is in the waning years of the Republic. It can be confusing, going back and forth.
Followers of my reviews, the poor things, will understand that 8 grimaces in one volume always rubs me the wrong way. It's especially so when they're all crammed into the first 59 pages. My problem with this volume is that Saylor seemed to be in a low-imagination, cliché-ridden mode or mood when writing the first third of this volume. Many weak tropes and needless repetitions and bad habits -- the ones I teach folks to get out of their systems -- abound in the early part of the volume, and then mostly evaporate in the second half. He even resorted to the standard first-person-self-description-in-the-mirror trick on page 30.
After that, the prose settles down and the story takes over. As one might guess from the title, the setting is the period, almost at the end of the Civil Wars, when Caesar finally collected his four triumphs, held at two-day intervals, basically celebrating Rome into a stupor. Saylor has come up with a reason for Gordianus to interact with all the key players, including some of those who are scheduled to be sacrificed, and it's fun. Gordianus is a skeptic of those in power at that time, but is repeatedly forced to deal with them; and that gives an interesting seasoning to the stew.
A summons from Calpurnia, who is, of course, above reproach, alerts him to the murder of a friend. The rest is plot.
Followers of my reviews, the poor things, will understand that 8 grimaces in one volume always rubs me the wrong way. It's especially so when they're all crammed into the first 59 pages. My problem with this volume is that Saylor seemed to be in a low-imagination, cliché-ridden mode or mood when writing the first third of this volume. Many weak tropes and needless repetitions and bad habits -- the ones I teach folks to get out of their systems -- abound in the early part of the volume, and then mostly evaporate in the second half. He even resorted to the standard first-person-self-description-in-the-mirror trick on page 30.
After that, the prose settles down and the story takes over. As one might guess from the title, the setting is the period, almost at the end of the Civil Wars, when Caesar finally collected his four triumphs, held at two-day intervals, basically celebrating Rome into a stupor. Saylor has come up with a reason for Gordianus to interact with all the key players, including some of those who are scheduled to be sacrificed, and it's fun. Gordianus is a skeptic of those in power at that time, but is repeatedly forced to deal with them; and that gives an interesting seasoning to the stew.
A summons from Calpurnia, who is, of course, above reproach, alerts him to the murder of a friend. The rest is plot.
March 19, 2023
In 46 BC, while Julius Caesar is preparing a number of triumphs in honor of his military victories, his wife Calpurnia summons Gordianus the Finder to investigate the possibility that Caesar is in mortal danger from persons unknown; her seer has said this is the case and the first investigator that she hired has been murdered, evidently proof of the danger. Gordianus, now aged 65, at first demurs as he is more or less retired, but when he discovers that the earlier investigator was none other than his friend Hieronymus the Scapegoat of Massilia, he feels duty-bound to find out who killed him. But danger lurks in more than one corner of the vast city of Rome, and Caesar is by no means the only target…. One thing that I love about Steven Saylor’s sub Rosa series, of which this is the tenth novel, is how the author manages to combine lively and occasionally raucous depictions of life in ancient Rome with meticulous scholarship, drawing on contemporary sources to incorporate specific real-life incidents into his story. He also provides us with an author’s note detailing his research, something that the historian in me appreciates. That said, the true joy of these books is the full humanity with which he imbues his characters (both real and fictional) and the way in which he brings that ancient time to vibrant life. It is probably best to read these books in order, just in terms of keeping historical events in perspective, but it isn’t absolutely necessary to do so; recommended!
June 30, 2025
Aunque no es el cierre definitivo de la saga —recién me enteré que el autor publicó un último libro 14 años después—, en su momento este volumen debió haber sido el final. Lamentablemente, se siente nuevamente como un relleno, con errores difíciles de ignorar, como la reaparición de un personaje que ya había muerto o la inclusión de los “lemures”, cuya conexión con el mundo real resulta forzada. Aunque intentan representarlos como una manifestación del subconsciente de Gordiano, el recurso no termina de encajar y debilita aún más la trama.
Algunos personajes que parecía volverían con fuerza simplemente se desvanecen sin mayor relevancia. ¿En qué momento Eco dejó de ser parte importante de la vida de Gordiano? ¿Y el esposo de su hija? Hablando de ella, su actitud llega a volverse irritante: tan insistentemente rebelde que, en el contexto histórico, roza lo inverosímil.
También queda en el aire la relación con su esposa. ¿Realmente había amor entre ellos? ¿O simplemente un respeto forzado, más parecido al vínculo entre amo y esclava que al de una pareja unida por afecto verdadero?
La verdad, solo quería que el libro terminara. Mi única motivación era cerrar la saga... hasta que me enteré de que, para colmo, no era el último.
Algunos personajes que parecía volverían con fuerza simplemente se desvanecen sin mayor relevancia. ¿En qué momento Eco dejó de ser parte importante de la vida de Gordiano? ¿Y el esposo de su hija? Hablando de ella, su actitud llega a volverse irritante: tan insistentemente rebelde que, en el contexto histórico, roza lo inverosímil.
También queda en el aire la relación con su esposa. ¿Realmente había amor entre ellos? ¿O simplemente un respeto forzado, más parecido al vínculo entre amo y esclava que al de una pareja unida por afecto verdadero?
La verdad, solo quería que el libro terminara. Mi única motivación era cerrar la saga... hasta que me enteré de que, para colmo, no era el último.
September 7, 2018
I enjoy a book mostly based on three parts: Learning (in this case about history), character development and plot. This book contains fantastic historical detail and the general atmosphere of the time is what I truly enjoyed. The fact that it contains essentially no character development at all and a plot as complex as a prairie landscape made it at times difficult to pick up again, but the history pulled me in each time. The ending, though, almost made me put it down 10 pages within reach of the last page where the coup de grace was achieved by the cheapest form of deus ex machina: missing information delivered in a dream. Saylor then went on to pour yet unused historical leftover material over the reader (meaningless to the main story) with a few pages of "and then ... and then ... and then". I felt like reading my own essays from grade 9 ... and I am a scientist.
Overall, the three stars come from the fact that I did not put it down and the truly magnificent historical details that saw me through it ... but it was close and at times painful.
Overall, the three stars come from the fact that I did not put it down and the truly magnificent historical details that saw me through it ... but it was close and at times painful.
April 8, 2020
Gordianus the Finder's hair may have gotten sparse and gray but the sleuth of ancient Rome still have his skills together as he uses the written notes of a friend to try and solve the murder of Hieronymus.
Hieronymus had been working for Calpurnia, Caesar's wife, who is convinced that there is a plot afoot to kill Caesar.
And Caesar is bound up with plans for the various Triumphs to celebrate his victories, including that of Egypt. And he is working on a new calendar for his country.
Can Gordianus find the clues and discover the murderer, as well as why? The Finder questions himself as he reviews the sometimes mysterious writing of Hieronymus and follows in his footsteps questions those who were both friends and foes of Caesar. Time may be running out.
Another masterful tale that weaves in the history and times in which Caesar, Brutus, Pompey and other notable men of the era lives, schemed and succeeded or failed on the battlefield and in the politics of their times.
Hieronymus had been working for Calpurnia, Caesar's wife, who is convinced that there is a plot afoot to kill Caesar.
And Caesar is bound up with plans for the various Triumphs to celebrate his victories, including that of Egypt. And he is working on a new calendar for his country.
Can Gordianus find the clues and discover the murderer, as well as why? The Finder questions himself as he reviews the sometimes mysterious writing of Hieronymus and follows in his footsteps questions those who were both friends and foes of Caesar. Time may be running out.
Another masterful tale that weaves in the history and times in which Caesar, Brutus, Pompey and other notable men of the era lives, schemed and succeeded or failed on the battlefield and in the politics of their times.
May 28, 2020
This was a pretty tame entry, I think, in terms of the fact that there's no immediate threat to Gordianus' life, just about everyone knows when Caesar actually does die, and Rome has finally emerged from the various wars which have pervaded the past 4 or 5 novels. I did like that Gordianus finally gave Diana a chance to prove her own worth as a detective, and the set-up for future events was super interesting (i.e. the hints at Brutus' independent streak and the glimpses of Octavius before he became Augustus). The mystery itself was decent, and I really enjoyed the interviews with figures like Vercingetorix, Arsinoë, and Cleopatra - the glimpses into their own personally miseries were very moving.
September 28, 2019
If you like this series, and I do, then you will enjoy this book. All our favorite family members make an appearance, and the interweaving of the life of a private detective ("Finder") and the rulers of Rome continues to make the history come alive. The who of the whodunnit is obvious, and the why is unbelievable even after it's been revealed.
Calpurnia is worth the price of admission. All I knew about her was Portia's reference to her in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. No wonder the most powerful man in the world trusted her.
Calpurnia is worth the price of admission. All I knew about her was Portia's reference to her in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. No wonder the most powerful man in the world trusted her.
August 13, 2020
This is a decent installment in the Roma sub Rosa series, but certainly not the best one. Gordianus is hired by Caesar's wife (who must be above suspicion of course) to investigate her suspicions of a plot against his life while he's staging his famous Four Triumphs. Gordianus is a bit old and tired and doesn't have his perceptive character insights that we get in the previous books, although the history is still pretty spot on. I think the author is likely just running out of ideas for his elderly "finder" and wanted to write more about Caesar. It's not bad but most of the rest of the series is better.
November 27, 2020
Es una novela correcta, que supone una adición adecuada a la serie Roma Sub Rosa de Gordiano el Sabueso, sin embargo, tanto a nivel de estructura (una serie de entrevistas con personajes famosos, intercaladas entre la celebración de los cuatro triunfos de César tras la guerra civil) como en lo que respecta a la calidad del misterio implicado (una supuesta trama de asesinato contra César), resulta un tanto decepcionante. Steven Saylor es capaz de urdir tramas mucho mejores, y "El triunfo de César" se percibe un poco como su anciano protagonista: aún capaz de cumplir con la tarea asignada, pero lejos del vigor de la juventud.
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