I am reading Robert Harris' Conspirata, which is the sequel to his Imperium. Conspirata continues the story of Marcus Cicero, first century B.C. consul of Rome. Cicero is an interesting figure because he was a self-made man, ambitious, smart and yet appears (as presented in this series) to have hung onto his humanity. His story is recalled by his slave and secretary, Tiro, who long outlived his master. Tiro died at the age of 100.
It's fascinating to "watch" Cicero's interactions with other historical figures--Gaius Julius Caesar, Gaius Octavius--to name just a few, and learn that Julius Caesar was just as lethal in his intentions to assassinate Cicero, as he was later himself assassinated.
I was struck by the opening quote the author chose for his work:
We look on past ages with condescension, as a mere preparation for us . . . but what if we're only an after-glow of them? J. G. Farrell, The Siege of Krisnapur
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