Like Platt's previous 'diaries' about castles, pirates, and ancient Egypt, this offers an accessible introduction to history. -- Booklist Iliona never imagined that her sea voyage from Greece to Egypt would lead to Rome, but when she is captured by pirates and auctioned off as a slave, that's where she lands. Readers are invited to view the wonders of Rome through Iliona's eyes--the luxury, the excess, and the politics.Back matter includes notes for the reader, a glossary, an index, and sources.