In this engaging exploration, British historian Charles Merivale delves into the tumultuous transformation that led to the rise of a singular ruler over the Roman Republic. Meet the cast of characters that shaped this pivotal era the ineffectual Pompeius, the astute military and political strategist Julius Caesar, the steadfast Cato, the audacious yet reckless Marcus Antonius, the eloquent yet tragic Cicero, the incomparable Cleopatra, and the cunning young Octavius, who emerges as the shrewd survivor of this legendary power struggle. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)