A “brilliant” ( Los Angeles Times ) novel of ancient Rome—a realm of tyrants and slaves, of dark intrigues and seething passions—and the early years of Julius Caesar, the man who would become the most powerful ruler on Earth “An absorbing portrait of ancient Roman life and history, well written and full of suspense—even for those who know the ending.”— Kirkus Reviews In a city of grandeur and decadence, beauty, and bloodshed, two boys, best friends, dream of glory in service of the mightiest empire the world has ever known. One is the son of a senator. The other is a bastard child. As young Gaius and Marcus grow to manhood, they are trained in the art of combat—under the tutelage of one of Rome’s most fearsome gladiators. For Marcus, a bloody campaign in Greece will become a young soldier’s proving ground. For Gaius, the equally deadly infighting of the Roman Senate will be the battlefield where he hones his courage and skill. And for both, the love of an extraordinary slave girl will be an honor each will covet but only one will win. But as Rome is thrust into the grip of bitter conflict, as every Roman prepares to take sides in the coming battle, Gaius and Marcus’s friendship will be put to the ultimate test. . . .    With Emperor: The Gates of Rome, Conn Iggulden presents a grand romantic tale of coming-of-age in the Roman Empire and a vibrant portrait of the early years of a man who would become one of the most influential rulers in ancient history: Julius Caesar.   Ancient Rome comes to vivid life in Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series: THE GATES OF ROME • THE DEATH OF KINGS • THE FIELD OF SWORDS • THE GODS OF WAR • THE BLOOD OF GODS Praise for the Emperor series “What Robert Graves did for Claudius, Conn Iggulden now does for the most famous Roman Emperor of them all—Julius Caesar.” —William Bernhardt, author of Criminal Intent “Stunning. It begins with hints of a mystery and continues as a galvanizing historical thriller. Words like ‘brilliant,’ ‘sumptuous’ and ‘enchanting’ jostle to be used but scarcely convey the way Iggulden brings the tale to life, or the compelling depictions of battle, treachery, and everyday detail in a precarious world vividly re-created.... Exhilarating.” — Los Angeles Times “Dramatic historical fiction to keep adults turning pages like enthralled kids. Iggulden is a grand storyteller. . . . A spirited, entertaining read.” — USA Today “What a find . . . A breathtaking journey through ancient Rome . . . Emperor combines the fantasy of Harry Potter with the historical details of John Jakes. Books don’t get better than this.” — Contra Costa Times “People who are interested in history . . . will certainly find this novel engrossing.” — Albuquerque Journal   “He excels at describing battle scenes both small-scale and epic.” — The Seattle Times “Utterly marvelous . . . Historical fiction of the highest order. Solid research and a real knack for character development bring Julius Caesar to life in a truly magical, electrifying way.” — Toronto Telegram   “An intensely readable story.” — Calgary Sun “Historical fiction at its best . . . The Gates of Rome will keep you on the edge of your seat!” — Aromas Tri-County News   “I loved it. It is one of the best historical novels I have read. . . . Iggulden has the skills of a bestseller writer.” — Historical Novels Review Conn Iggulden  is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today. He is the author of  Stormbird  and  Margaret of Anjou , the first two books in his superb series set during the Wars of the Roses, a remarkable period of British history. His previous two series, on Julius Caesar and on the Mongol Khans of Central Asia, describe the founding of the greatest empires of their day and were number-one bestsellers. Iggulden lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and children. Chapter One The track in the woods was a wide causeway to the two boys strolling down it. Both were so dirty with thick, black mud as to be almost unrecognizable as human. The taller of the two had blue eyes that seemed unnaturally bright against the cracking, itching mud that plastered him. "We're going to be killed for this, Marcus," he said, grinning. In his hand, a sling spun lazily, held taut with the weight of a smooth river pebble. "Your fault, Gaius, for pushing me in. I told you the riverbed wasn't dry all the way." As he spoke, the shorter boy laughed and shoved his friend into the bushes that lined the path. He whooped and ran as Gaius scrambled out and set off in pursuit, sling whirring in a disc. "Battle!" he shouted in his high, unbroken voice. The beating they would get at home for ruining their tunics was far away, and both boys knew every trick to get out of trouble--all that mattered was charging through the woodland paths at high speed, scaring birds. Both boys were barefoot, already with calluses developing, despite not having seen more than eight summe