Grand in concept and vivid in detail, Colleen McCullough's sixth novel in her Masters of Rome series takes readers into the complex and fascinating world of the final days of the Roman Republic. At the height of his power, Gaius Julius Caesar finds himself embroiled in civil war in Egypt, where he becomes enchanted by Cleopatra, the country's golden-eyed queen. However, duty calls him to forget his love and return to Rome, where his power seems unshakable, but in fact is based on shaky ground: Caesar has no heir, and therefore anyone who has the courage to overthrow the powerful ruler can become his successor. The Ides of March are approaching, and therefore the dramatic conclusion of one of the most vivid stories that humanity can remember.