In SPQR XI: Under Vesuvius, things are going well for Decius Caecilius Metellus. He is Praetor Peregrinus, which means he has to judge a case or two, but those cases are outside of the City. His cases will be those dealing with foreigners, and all of Italy is his province. His first stop is Campania, "Italy's most popular resort district." Decius and his wife, Julia, are happy for a change of scenery. But, the good times end when, in a town near Vesuvius,...

When Roman junior senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger has a chance to join a diplomatic mission to Alexandria, he welcomes the opportunity to temporarily elude his enemies in the Eternal City--even though it means leaving his beloved Rome. Decius is just beginning to enjoy the outpost's many exotic pleasures when the suspicious death of an irascible philosopher occurs, coinciding with the puzzling and apocalyptic ravings of a charismatic...

Caius Julius Caesar decides to revise the Roman calendar, an unpopular decision. Not long after the new calendar project begins, two of Caesar's foreign consultants are murdered.

In ancient Rome Decius Caecfilius metellus is happy . The weather is beautiful and he is standing for office (literally, standing, in the Ropman forum soliciting votes ) with a sure change of winning.