GLADIATORS OF THE NAUMACHIA

In 79 AD, two men heralded as demi-gods, stepped onto Roman Triremes as they prepared themselves for the Naumachia. They were both champions, having proved themselves through epic gladiatorial combat; but now, as they looked over the dozens of ships crowded in the man-made harbor, they would have a chance to join the ranks of legend. 

None of that fame mattered to Verus—a man who had been forced into this barbarity.  As he stared long and hard at thousands of opponents across the lake, all begging for the combat to begin, only one of the many faces mattered to him—that was the man that caused the nightmares, the man that undid everything. That was the man they called Priscus the Gaul. 

 In college, I came across the story of Priscus and Verus — and it stopped me cold. What began as a traditional fight to the death became the most dramatic gladiatorial bout ever recorded, blow by blow. No contest in Roman history has matched its intensity, its theater, or its remarkable end. The further I researched these two extraordinary men, the more I realized how little had been done with their story. So I decided to fix that — and write the novel they deserved. 

Although parental guidance is suggested, GLADIATORS OF THE NAUMACHIA is appropriate for individuals who are fourteen or older.