The Death of Kings

Julius serves with the army on the North African coast and makes his name in the assault on the fortress of Mytilene. Then pirates seize his ship, and he and his men are held in the hold awaiting a ransom that could ruin his family. Once it is paid, Julius gathers his loyal men and keeps his vow to wipe out the pirates. He then leads his force to Greece and defeats the aging King Mithridates. In Rome, Sulla torments Cornelia until the dictator is assassinated, and Marcus Brutus rises. Julius returns rich and famous, finds the city so violent and corrupt it has nearly destroyed his wife and small daughter, and joins the war against Spartacus's slave army.

1. Behind the scenesSkeleton and flesh

   Iggulden sums up his method: "We have a skeleton, and I have added the flesh." He mixes heavy reading of ancient sources with invented detail and draws on his own life for scenes, including a pub brawl and a bungee jump.

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2. ReferenceReal history at the back

   The book ends with an author's note explaining what he changed from history and why. Then comes a list of nonfiction books for readers who want the real version.

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3. Behind the scenesA shortened war

   Readers point out that Mithridates' revolt lasted about ten years in real history. In the novel, it is wrapped up in a few weeks. Even so, Library Journal called the book "broadly accurate."

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4. Behind the scenesThe movie that never came

   In 2010, Exclusive Media announced Emperor: Young Caesar, based on the first two books, with Burr Steers directing from a script by William Broyles and Stephen Harrigan. The movie was never released.

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