ABOUT THE SERIES
Palladium
A Trilogy of the Second Punic War
Book One: In the Shadow of the Furies
Available Now in eBook, Paperback, and Audio Book
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Book Two: Rings of Iron
Coming December 1
Book Three: What the Fates Hath Wrought
Stay Tuned for Details!
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The Palladium Trilogy is an epic historical series that traverses the tumultuous period from the Siege of Saguntum to the climactic Battle of Zama, charting the course of the Second Punic War—a conflict that irrevocably altered the course of Western civilization. Told through a tapestry of interwoven narratives, the trilogy delves deep into the lives of characters both great and small, whose destinies are caught in the storm that Hannibal Barca unleashes upon Rome.
In this sprawling saga, readers will witness the political machinations of a republic grappling with the rising tide of authoritarian populism, where the public's fear and the ambitions of power-hungry individuals set the stage for a struggle that tests the very principles of freedom and democracy. Amidst the din of clashing armies, the trilogy explores the complexities of familial bonds strained under the weight of great expectations and personal rivalries, offering an intimate glimpse into the hearts and minds of those who must navigate the treacherous waters of Roman politics and Carthaginian ambition.
At the heart of the series lies a profound examination of the human condition: the influence of fear in shaping political outcomes, the lengths to which men will go for the intoxicating allure of honor and the dark depths of greed, and the profound impact of those exceptional individuals whose actions reverberate through history. The trilogy is not only a chronicle of battles and strategies but also a meditation on the timeless themes that drive nations to war and individuals to the brink of glory or infamy.
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The Palladium of Rome
From Wikipedia:
The Palladium of Rome was a cult image of great antiquity on which the safety of Troy and later Rome was said to depend, the wooden statue (xoanon) of Pallas Athena that Odysseus and Diomedes stole from the citadel of Troy and which was later taken to the future site of Rome by Aeneas. The Roman story is related in Virgil's Aeneid and other works. Rome possessed an object regarded as the actual Palladium for several centuries; it was in the care of the Vestal Virgins for nearly all this time.
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Its Meaning
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The Palladium represents the inviolability and strength of the city and, by extension, the Roman Republic itself. This series delves into a pivotal and tumultuous period in Roman history, marked by the existential threat posed by Hannibal Barca during the Second Punic War. Much like the mythical Palladium, the series explores themes of protection, resilience, and the struggle to preserve the core values and integrity of the Republic amidst war, political turmoil, and social upheaval.
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The title "Palladium" metaphorically reflects the central narrative of the trilogy – the fight to safeguard the heart and soul of Rome against formidable external enemies and internal decay. Through the lenses of various characters – Roman, Carthaginian, and others – the series examines the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and ambition, all revolving around the central quest to uphold or redefine what Rome stands for. The characters in this trilogy grapple with their roles as defenders, preservers, or transformers of their society in an era defined by conflict and change.
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Thus, "Palladium" is not only a nod to a key symbol in Roman lore but also a thematic encapsulation of the trilogy's exploration of what it takes to protect and maintain the essence of a republic during its darkest and most defining hours.
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The Death of Aemilius Paulus
The Death of Aemilius Paulus is a riveting three-act play that plunges you into the heart of ancient Rome during the turbulent times of the Second Punic War. This historical drama, rich in political intrigue and personal conflicts, is based on some events and characters in Rings of Iron.
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A tribute to the Roman plays of Shakespeare, the script is a tour de force of compelling dialogue, each line crackling with the tension of high-stakes political drama. The verbal sparring, the eloquent speeches, and the passionate debates will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While grounded in historical facts, the play brings a creative interpretation that adds depth and relatability to these larger-than-life historical figures, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with modern audiences.
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