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A meticulously researched historical novel of the ancient world. 21BC. After the turbulence of civil war, Augustus Caesar now rules Rome. Yet his authority is fragile, holding only so long as the people believe Rome's gods support him, particularly the beloved goddess of home and hearth, Vesta. Pomponia, now chief Vestal Virgin, continues to devote her life to the goddess. She has risen to a position of esteem in Rome and is a valued member of Caesar's inner circle, but when a contagion starts to ravage the city, tensions rise among the city's inhabitants. Meanwhile, a malevolent nobleman called Soren starts plotting against her, threatening not just her friendship with Caesar but everything she loves. With four illustrations at the end including an ancient terracotta votive offering as used in the book, coins and statuettes and an engraving showing a Vestal Virgin being condemned for bringing the plague, Pomponia's recurring nightmare. Useful glossary, 340pp in paperback.