The story of the Roman general who was made sole ruler of Rome for five terms, and saw the occupying Gauls off twice.
biography
The general who saved the Greeks from invasion by Xerxes’ Persians, mainly in the major naval battle of Salamis. But he was later banished, accused of treason.
Much happened during his time as Rome’s great statesman: Lucretia was raped and her suicide inspired revolution. Then came the transition to a republic. Paintings by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Rubens and van Dyck, and more.
He drew up the tables of law for Athens, met and argued with Croesus, a fabulously rich king of Lydia, and did away with draconian punishments.
Successor to Romulus, he brought change by persuasion, and did away with the factions of Sabines and Romans. Art by Poussin and others.
He established the unique regime and society of Sparta, with communal meals, harsh selection of newborn babies, and devotion to the state. He enforced those with selfless ingenuity.
How Romulus carefully planned the abduction of maidens to satisfy Rome’s need for wives, and his subsequent wars. Splendid paintings by Poussin, David, Ingres, Guercino, and Nattier.
One of twins born of a Vestal Virgin, he was suckled by a she-wolf and raised by a swineherd. Marvellous paintings by the Carraccis, Rubens, and Mignard.
After abandoning Ariadne on Naxos, he takes a succession of brides, battles with the Amazons, and fights for the Lapiths against the centaurs. But did he rape Helen? Paintings by Corinth, Waterhouse, Rubens, and more.
Born from the incestuous union of the King of Athens with his daughter, he survived an attempt on his life by Medea, and went on to kill the Minotaur of Crete. Paintings by Poussin, Moreau, and others.
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