Summary of The First Man in Rome
“The First Man in Rome” is a historical novel set in ancient Rome between 110 and 100 BC. It chronicles the rise to power of the general Gaius Marius and explores his relationship with other prominent Roman figures, including Lucius Cornelius Sulla. The novel features political conflict, military campaigns (notably against Jugurtha, King of Numidia, and various Germanic tribes), as well as domestic drama. It provides a vivid and well-researched portrayal of life in Rome during the late Republic.
Reasons to read The First Man in Rome
“The First Man in Rome” is the first of seven novels in Colleen McCullough’s “Masters of Rome” series. McCullough, a renowned Australian author, is also known for her international bestseller “The Thorn Birds”. The “Masters of Rome” series is widely praised for its historical accuracy and literary quality, and is often regarded as one of the most authoritative fictional accounts of the late Roman Republic. The subsequent novels in the series continue the story of Rome’s final century BC: “The Grass Crown” (97-86 BC); “Fortune’s Favourites” (83-69 BC); “Caesar’s Women” (67-59 BC); “Caesar” (54-48 BC); “The October Horse” (48-41 BC); and “Antony and Cleopatra” (41-27 BC). “The First Man in Rome” is likely to appeal above all to readers with an appetite for a comprehensive and detailed account of Roman political and military life spanning more than 1,000 pages.
Setting: Rome (Italy)
“The First Man in Rome” is set in Rome and other places in the Roman Republic.
Original title: The First Man in Rome
Year of publication: 1990
Nr of pages: 1123
