
A storm‑laden night in 526 AD cloaks the Adriatic coast, where the ruins of a once‑grand temple overlook a silent, rain‑soaked Ravenna. The wind rattles ancient stone, and the air hums with the distant crackle of lightning as a lone figure watches the city from the heights, his silver‑white beard catching the fleeting light. The scene is painted with vivid detail, immersing listeners in the uneasy stillness that precedes a pivotal moment in history.
The man who steps down the marble steps is Theoderic, the young Ostrogothic king whose presence seems both regal and otherworldly. Clad in white garments trimmed with gold, he carries a lance that doubles as a staff, his blue eyes scanning the horizon with a mixture of confidence and anticipation. Accompanied by his loyal brothers—one youthful and lyrical, the other a hulking, bear‑like warrior—he prepares to confront the forces gathering around the fading empire.
In this opening act, the novel weaves historical research into a compelling narrative of ambition, cultural clash, and the fragile balance of power. Listeners will feel the tension of a world on the brink, as a charismatic leader steps onto the stage of a crumbling Rome, poised to reshape its destiny.
Language
de
Duration
~12 hours (707K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2010-02-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1834–1912
A bestselling German novelist and historian of the 19th century, he is best remembered for historical fiction that brought the world of the early Germanic tribes vividly to life. His most famous novel, "A Struggle for Rome," helped make him one of the best-known popular writers of his time.
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