Grass crown. Colleen McCullough. 1991.

The general who saved Rome from barbarian invasion and consular unprecedented six times, Gaius Marius, has moved into decline. However, it has been foretold that he will be consul seven times, and Marius believes in the prophecy. Lucius Cornelius Sulla, formerly his highly valued right-hand man, has found it necessary to withdraw himself from his commander’s circle in order to grasp at a political and military success at least the equal of Marius’. These two men also become the most powerful early influences on their famous nephew, Gaius Julius Caesar.

The rivalry between Sulla and Marius blossoms into a deadly enmity, and a competition for prominence which is set against Rome’s own battle for survival - first against the neighbouring Italian states which compromise the foundation of Rome’s fledgling empire, then against a barbaric Asian conqueror.