In 63 BC, Cicero stands supreme as the senior consul of the Roman Republic. But jealous rivals--from the ruthless and debauched to the fanatical and psychopathic--plan to destroy him and seize power. Thwarting their evil machinations will require all the skill and craft Cicero can muster.

Powerful and brilliant consul Marcus Cicero has been elected by the people of Rome, but still faces political opposition from the heads of the patricians and populists, as he suspects that a rising senator, Julius Caesar, is behind a plot to assassinate him.

Cicero returns to continue his struggle to grasp supreme power in the state of Rome. Amidst treachery vengeance violence and treason this brilliant lawyer orator and philosopher finally reaches the summit of all his ambitions. Cicero becomes known as the world's first professional politician using his compassion - and deviousness - to overcome all obstacles. Propelled by the strength of his stunning prose Harris's compelling series charges forward.

A tale inspired by the writings of Tiro, Cicero's confidential secretary, traces the life of the ancient Roman orator from his beginnings as a young lawyer through his competitions with Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus in the political arena.