Amazon 2011 Breakthrough Novel semi-finalist!It's AD 123. On the edge of the Roman Empire, a dead governor leaves behind the opportunity of a lifetime. Mysteriously promoted, a senator's son finds himself in an ancient world of trouble. Within days of taking office, Hispania's taxpayers are in open revolt, all legionaries depart to build Hadrian's Wall, and the once-sleepy province is rocked by slave revolts, bread riots, and fad religions. A quixotic saga steeped in humor and history, "No Roads Lead to Rome" chronicles the clumsy schemes of the new governor and his shadowy adviser, a superstitious centurion's struggle to save his faith in the faded ideals of the Republic, and a young rebel's reluctant vow to change the course of history. All are pitted against the Gods, the Emperor, and the decline and fall of nearly everything.It's AD 123--a time not unlike the present--and No Roads Lead to Rome.From Publishers Weekly:The Roman Empi Publishers Weekly: The Roman Empire is at a crossroads, and Emperor Hadrian, realizing that continued expansion will make the empire's borders indefensible, decrees consolidation to a size the legions can better guard...Surviving on graft, plots, kickbacks and bribery, the Empire lurches on while Hispania is beset by slave revolts, food riots, uncollected taxes, and bad wine. And so the province's leadership must resort to a series of desperate illusions to disguise its failings. All this is recounted swiftly, with verve, panache, and a light tread that makes for a delightful, well told tale. "No Roads Lead to Rome" was partially inspired by the often surreal and comical situations I encountered working for large American corporation  and living in Barcelona, Spain from 2000-2005.      Living and traveling around the Mediterranean meant constant encounters with the history,  artifacts, and residual vibrations of  the Roman Empire, one of the world's first true superpowers.   I came to suspect that people in ancient times  wrestled with similar issues to ours in modern times. Large organizations--ancient empires or modern corporations--are composed of people, and our quirks and foibles have not changed  much over the years.   While history buffs may find a few bones to pick, I did extensive research to capture the sensations, sights and smells of  Tarragona, Spain--Tarraco--in A.D. 123. Readers enjoy the perspective of a distant, slightly warped lens to examine both the past and present.    The humorous decline and fall continues as history repeats again in the sequel, "Aqueduct to Nowhere."   There's no time like the past to laugh at the present. Here's hoping you enjoy the read and that all your roads lead to Rome! RSG R.S. Gompertz grew up in Southern California inasmuch as growing up in a suburb of Disneyland was possible. He is the author of humorous novels " No Roads Lead to Rome " and " Aqueduct to Nowhere ," as well as a memoir of his cross-cultural mishaps in Barcelona called, " The Expat's Pajamas ." To learn more about the author, please visit his Amazon author page. Used Book in Good Condition