As an author, Simon Scarrow is fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon. His Roman Legion series chronicling the adventures of centurions Macro and Cato has been met with near universal acclaim, drawing comparisons to the best of his contemporaries. In The Gladiator, Macro and Cato are returning to Rome from a harrowing campaign against the Parthians when their transport ship is almost capsized by a freak tidal wave. They barely make it to the port of Matala in Crete where they are stunned to find a devastated town. An earthquake has struck the island, destroying its cities and killing thousands. In the chaotic aftermath, large bands of the island's slaves begin to revolt and local bandits, taking advantage of the slave rebellion, urge the Cretans to overthrow the Roman administration.
