Quintus Claudius: A Romance of Imperial Rome. Volume 1
by Ernst Eckstein (1845–1900)
- Free to read
- 6 hours to read
- 24 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"Quintus Claudius: A Romance of Imperial Rome. Volume 1" by Ernst Eckstein is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the era of Imperial Rome, the story appears to explore the lives of its characters amidst the grandeur and intrigue of Roman society, centering particularly on a young man named Caius Aurelius and his encounters with various individuals, including the noblewomen Octavia and Claudia. Themes of adventure, love, and the contrasts within the human experience are likely key elements of the narrative. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Caius Aurelius aboard a trireme navigating the waters of Campania. The atmosphere is lively yet tumultuous, as Aurelius and his companion, Herodianus, discuss their arduous journey from Hispania to Rome. Their voyage takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a distressed pleasure boat carrying three ladies caught in a storm. Aurelius and his crew spring into action, successfully rescuing the women. The ladies, Octavia and her daughter Claudia, express their gratitude, leading to an invitation for Aurelius to visit their villa in Baiae. This initial adventure sets the stage for deeper relationships and challenges as Aurelius's journey intertwines with the lives of these noblewomen amidst the backdrop of a politically charged Rome.
- Rome · History · Flavians, 69-96
Read the opening
Chapter I
It was the morning of the 12th of September in the Year of Our Lord 95; the first cold gleam of dawn was shining on the steel-grey surface of the Tyrrhenian sea. To the east, over the gently undulating coast of Campania, the sky was tinged with that tender dewy-green which follows on the paling of the stars; to the west the waters still lay in impenetrable darkness. Their almost unruffled face was swiftly parted by a large trireme,[1] just now making its way from the south and opposite to Salernum, between the Posidium[2] promontory and the Island of Capreae.[3] The oars of the crew, who sat in rows on three ranks of benches, rose and fell in rhythm to a melancholy chant; the steersman yawned as he looked into the distance, hoping for the moment of release.
A small hatchway—fitted with silver ornaments—now opened on to the deck from the cabin between decks; a fat round head with short hair showed itself in the opening, and a pair of blinking eyes looked curiously round in every direction. Presently the head was followed by a body, of which the squat rotundity matched the odd head.
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About this edition
This free edition of Quintus Claudius: A Romance of Imperial Rome. Volume 1 by Ernst Eckstein comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #47221, released 2014-10-29. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Romance, Adventure.
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