A novel of politic rivalries, military combat and social unrest, set in the twilight years of the Roman Empire. In the 3rd century AD, Lucerius Valerius Quincius, perfect of Tarcisis, an imaginary Roman City, begins his memoirs. His city is threatened from without and within. North African Moors are entering the Iberian Peninsular, and the prosperous, complacent Roman Towns are obvious prey. Within the city walls, members of a new religious sect known as Christians are being persecuted. Quincius, cynical but not defeatist, observes the slow decline but continues to fight for justice, wisdom and the principles underlying the Great civilization now nearing in it's end.