The series begins in the year 69 AD, in Alexandria. There is a rebellion going on in nearby Judea by the Jews and Christians. In response, the governor, Tiberius orders his men, led by Brutacus and Tobias, to crack down on the Jews and Christians.

Macky and Portia have to flee to Jerusalem during the Roman siege. The people inside are starving, whilst the Romans grow desperate to break through the city walls.

As a slave, Macky end up being sent to Rome. Arriving in Rome, Macky finds himself in a gladiator school for the Circus Maximus, where the only rule is kill or be killed.