Aurelian; or, Rome in the Third Century

"Aurelian; or, Rome in the Third Century" by William Ware is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative is conveyed through a series of letters from Lucius Manlius Piso, a prominent Roman, to Fausta, the daughter of Gracchus, set during the tumultuous period of the third century in Rome. The book delves into themes of faith, society, and politics against the backdrop of the rise of Christianity amidst the declining Roman Empire, exploring characters like Piso and the influences of figures such as the Emperor Aurelian and the Queen Zenobia. At the start of the novel, the character Nicomachus reflects on his experiences as a servant of Queen Zenobia and sets the stage for the letters that follow. He expresses his intention to share the correspondence of Lucius Piso, offering insights into his life and the significant events of the time, including the tensions between pagans and Christians. The opening letters reveal Piso’s thoughts on his newly adopted Christian faith, his observations of Roman society's moral decay, and his relationships with pivotal figures in Rome, encompassing debates about the future of Rome as it grapples with change. This sets a rich context for the exploration of cultural and religious conflict in the narrative.