HBO/BBC's "Rome"; 1963's "Cleopatra"; Steven Saylor; Steven Saylor / Aaron Travis

Simon Woods as Gaius Octavian Caesar from "Rome" Larger image

Although I missed most of the first season of "Rome", it is now on the top of my Sunday night viewing. I've faithfully watched the second season. If for no other reason than to gaze at the patrician beauty of Simon Woods as Gaius Octavian Caesar.

I've thought of what I already know about this period of Roman History.

The 60s movie "Cleopatra," with Elizabeth Taylor, argued by some to be the most expensive movie ever made, is the first source that comes to mind. It starts at the defeat of Pompey by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus, continues through his romance with Cleopatra, his return to Rome and murder, Anthony's visit and stay in Egypt and subsequent love affair with Cleopatra, the war between Anthony and Octavius, the defeat of Anthony at Actium, and the suicides of Cleopatra and Anthony.

(By the way: the production of the movie had enough machinations, cast changes, location movements, production cast replacements and money problems to equal the original events. Elizabeth Taylor became serious ill, and in fact, at a couple of points, was pronounced clinically dead. She had to have a tracheotomy to save her life, and the scar is visible in many shots.

But the most spectacular event was the romance between Elizabeth and the Welsh actor Richard Burton, who played Mark Anthony. It broke up Elizabeth's marriage to Eddie Fisher and Richard's to Sybil Williams. Unless you were alive at the time, you can not begin to believe the scandal it caused. The paparazzi went wild. It was major news for weeks. Even the Vatican issued a statement of condemnation. Visit Wikipedia's "Cleopatra' (1963 film) for more info.)

From my limited understanding, it may be more faithful to the true life events than "Rome.".

Book Cover for Steven Saylor's "Judgment of Caesar" Larger image

The broadest source for me are the novels of Steven Saylor featuring Gordianus the Finder. The first novel in the series is "Roman Blood," in which the young Gordianus meets the young Cicero. In his latest book, "The Judgment of Caesar," a more mature Gordianus has arrived in Alexandria to help his wife find a cure for her mysterious illness. The time frame includes the execution of Pompey and the arrival of Julius Caesar.

Gordianus has done service for many of the powers of Rome who respect his trustworthiness and honesty. He has a unique relationship with Caesar in that his adopted son, Meto, is Caesar's scribe, confidant, and some say bed partner.

Saylor offers a brief review of the series at Quo Vadis, HBO? He only covers part of the first season, up to the point at which Cleopatra appears. To quote: " But everything came undone with episode #8, “Caesarion,” which introduced Cleopatra. Travesty is too kind a word for this wretched misfire."

In addition to showing the lives and loves of the upper classes, it also concentrates on the lives and loves of two soldiers of the Thirteenth legion, Lucius Vorenus, played by Kevin McKidd, and Titus Pullo, played by Ray Stevenson. To be honest, I've had more difficult understanding their positions in the scheme. They appear to me the leaders of one of the many street gangs that are in constant dispute over who should have what spoils.

Prior to writing his books about Rome, Steven Saylor had another career under the pen name of Aaron Travis whose forte was gay erotica. Included in his work is what many consider the most noteworthy story of gay erotica the supernatural thriller "Blue Light."

PAX! Erin Go Braugh!