AD 60. Nero Claudius Caesar is Emperor. He is feared for his temper. He is known to be intoxicated by the power he wields. And why not? The Roman Empire stretches from the wilds of Britain to the deserts of Parthia. Nero is god of all he surveys.

Yet dangerous traitors lie close at hand. Generals commanding legions. Senators whispering in corridors. The people cheer in the circus - but curse him in the streets. As word of Nero's cruelties and corruption spreads, they spark trouble in the north - Queen Boudicca revolts - and the ever unruly Gauls rebel.

Nero's empire is aflame. Rome - his city - is a tinderbox. Perhaps it is time for a cleansing fire. But no one, not even an emperor, can escape its touch . . .