The House of Batiatus is on the rise, basking in the glow of it's infamous champion Gannicus, whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women. These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control; hell freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand. And hell have his loyal and calculating wife Lucretia by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts. Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power, and bleed Capua dry in this audacious prequel to SPARTACUS BLOOD AND SAND.