We're in Ancient Rome, and we're waiting for the lions, with Naomi Mitchison's fine novel The Blood of the Martyrs. Not everyone in the cells is a Christian, and not everyone waiting to see the blood start flowing in the arena is a pagan. These are the early years of the Christian Church seen from ground level, where it's really gritty and people get hurt. It's also a marvellous and deeply satisfying novel, but bring a handkerchief. For fans of Mary Renault but with togas.
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