damn rome
damn rome: Julius Caesar's conquest of power It is the second part of the Julius Caesar Series, written by the Valencian philologist, translator, linguist and author Santiago Posteguillo. The work was published in 2023 thanks to Ediciones B. From then on, fans of historical fiction were able to continue a story that was left in suspense in the previous title: Rome is me (2022)
In the aforementioned text, the writer made a faithful portrait of the documents that exist about Julius Caesar, although he also took several creative liberties regarding this and other characters, so it is possible to find the same essence in damn rome. On the other hand, Santiago Posteguillo is famous for his clean prose and his ability to narrate battle scenes that remain for weeks in the reader's mind.
Synopsis of damn rome
Mare Internum, year 75 BC. c
Santiago Posteguillo, known as the most prominent author of historical fiction novels of the last decade, immerses himself in classical Rome to continue telling the troubled life of one of the most important and representative characters in Western history: Gaius Julius Caesar. On this occasion, the writer begins the journey from one of the darkest moments in the history of the Roman politician and military man: exile by his enemies.
After having to leave the land for which he has given so much, Julius Caesar embarks on a journey to Rhodes to study oratory with the teacher Apollonius, with the aim of challenging Cicero in the future., the most brilliant orator that existed at that time. But the protagonist's plan is momentarily truncated when he is kidnapped by pirates. Despite the conflict, Caesar manages to negotiate his rescue and continue his journey.
The meeting with Spartacus
Another of the book's iconic moments can be read at the time of the Julius Caesar's confrontation with Spartacus in the slave rebellion. There, the protagonist emerged victorious from a contest that reflects the value, the intelligence, strength of character and ferocity of two of the most imposing heroes in ancient history. Later, it is possible to understand how Caesar was able to finally enter the Senate of Rome despite the opposition that his request aroused.
Santiago Posteguillo highlights all the edges in which Julius Caesar had to fight. The young man implemented strategies inherited by his uncle Gaius Marius to win in a time full of corruption, lies, betrayals and double loyalties. Divided between military and politics, Caesar commanded entire armies as he prepared to take on challenges that would test his intellectual abilities. and his skills as a leader.
The narrative quality of Santiago Posteguillo
Recounting war struggles is one of the most complex activities in the historical literary genre., because it requires a great ability to compile the different events that arise as the contests take place. In this case, the writer must be aware of all perspectives, both those of the heroes and those of allies and enemies. This is something that Santiago Posteguillo handles in an exceptional way.
In fact, part of the fame of the author's great literary quality is due precisely to its historical rigor and its ability to narrate battles that allow the reader to imagine, understand and enjoy the story, which has unbeatable verisimilitude as far as the historical fiction genre is concerned. Even so, damn rome It is still not the ultimate truth about Julius Caesar, so if it is a topic of interest to the reader, they should investigate more titles.
References to other great historical figures
Gaius Julius Caesar lived in a period full of figures who, even today, are recognized for their exploits—both good and bad. Through the protagonist it is possible to meet people like Cayo Mario, Gaius Aurelius Cota, Lucius Cornelius Cinna, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Aurelia, Cornelia, Labienus and even Cleopatra herself, future queen of Egypt, who would take a fundamental role in Caesar's life.
In addition to the characters, The book is very rich in descriptions of the setting and the social and political systems of the time. Likewise, it contains historical maps, bibliographies, and other sections that help to better understand the context.
About the author, Santiago Posteguillo
Santiago Posteguillo Gómez was born in 1967, in Valencia, Spain. When he was a child he traveled to Rome, Italy, and became fascinated with the culture and what he learned there. Since then, everything that was related to The Eternal City caught his attention. In his adolescence he became interested in writing, having a predilection for crime novels.. His passion led him to study Philology and Languages at the University of Valencia.
Later, The author studied Creative Literature at Denison University, in Granville, Ohio, USA. Additionally, she has degrees in Linguistics and Translation awarded by schools in Great Britain. Even though he is a writer he could live purely off the sales of their booksThanks to his success, Santiago Posteguillo continues to teach English Literature classes at the Jaume I University of Castellón.
The author is very interested in all areas of art, such as Elizabethan theater, cinema, music and the relationship between literature and all these artistic expressions. In 2022, Santiago Posteguillo became the best-selling author in Spain thanks to his book Rome is me, the first volume of a saga that talks about Julius Caesar.
Other books by Santiago Posteguillo
Scipio Africanus Trilogy
- Africanus: the consul's son (2006);
- The cursed legions (2008);
- The betrayal of Rome (2009)
Trajan trilogy
- The assassins of the emperor (2010);
- Circus Maximus (2013);
- The lost legion (2016)
Trilogy on the history of literature
- The night Frankenstein read Don Quixote (2012);
- The blood of the books (2014);
- The seventh circle of hell (2017)
Julia Biology
- I, Julia (2018);
- And Julia challenged the gods (2020)