With barbarians at the gate and enemies within, two men must fight for the soul of the great Roman Republic. History and adventure, brutality and courage combine to powerful effect, making The Pillars of Rome an outstanding opening to the Republic trilogy. In a dark cave lit by flickering torches, two young boys, Aulus and Lucius, appeal to the famed Roman oracle for a glimpse into their future. The Sybil draws a blood-red shape of an eagle with wings outstretched: an omen of death. As the boys flee from the cave in fear, they make an oath of loyalty until death. Thirty years on, Aulus is Rome's most successful general and faces his toughest battle. Barbarian rebels have captured his wife and are demanding the withdrawal of Roman legions from their land in return for her life. Meanwhile, Lucius has risen to high rank in the Senate, a position he uses and abuses.

But when Lucius is suspected of arranging a murder, the very foundations of the Republic are threatened. Lucius and Aulus soon find themselves on very different sides of the conflict - perhaps the prophecy of the eagle will come true after all.