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This topic is for those who wish to discuss the book in progress, No spoilers please!

I have started this already and am loving it! So much deviousness by Livia. Does anyone know if she is based on a real person in history? My knowledge of ancient Rome is sadly non-existant.

Yes. Most of the main characters in this book are based on real people.

Although it should be noted that there is a lot of speculation in the book regarding who poisoned who etc.

Adelaide wrote: "Yes. Most of the main characters in this book are based on real people."

Wow, I cannot believe it. Did the people actually behave in a similar way to their counterpart in the book?

Some did. (Caligula was pretty nasty.) We know a lot of facts about the Roman emperors, but Graves makes up a lot of the details.

While this book is good and I'm enjoying it, I do find it hard to read more than a couple of chapters at a stretch. There is so much information given, and I need to mull it over after I read for awhile. The style isn't something I normally like, either. It's mostly "tell", without much "show". It's written as a history, so I understand the need for this writing style. I just wish there was more actual dialogue in it.

(Chpt.19) I thought the trash-talking shouting match across the river by the two German brothers was pretty funny.

Caligula - what a vile creature he is! I know he really was an emperor. Was he as bad as the book portrays him?

Yes!

Adelaide wrote: "Yes!"

I am oh so grateful that I don't live in that time and place.

Me too.

I took this book camping with me and am about half way through. Graves is so good at filling in the details of history, it's hard to remember this is fiction.

Finally got mine from the library. Starting it this week.

I'm already about half way through. This book is way better than the Masterpiece Theater series! The HBO Series "Rome" follows this closely. I wonder if the writers used this book as a basis, Ha! I totally recommend that series, by the way. Its cheesy but totally entertaining.

How are you finding the military scenes?

Believe it or not, I'm not that in to reading about war. I know that's weird given my background. I am interested in what bits of Roman military tradition have carried over to our military. Like the 20 year retirement and the Eagles.

Adelaide wrote: "Although it should be noted that there is a lot of speculation in the book regarding who poisoned who etc."

Exactly. Whenever I watch a documentary about Caligula or Claudius, it always throws me off as I base my Roman history on episodes of I, Claudius.