
In a restless Constantinople, a disillusioned chronicler begins a secret diary, fearing the eyes of the imperial court. He records his bitter observations of the uneasy peace between the Roman Empire and the Vandal kingdom that now dominates the North African coast. The narrative quickly transports listeners to the glittering yet decaying courts of Carthage, where opulent festivals mask a growing weakness among the once‑fearsome Vandal warriors. Against this backdrop, a cast of vivid personalities—an austere Roman envoy, a proud Ostrogoth princess, and a cunning Vandal king—clash over faith, loyalty, and ambition.
As tensions rise, rumors of a new war against the Vandals begin to circulate, and the diarist’s hidden notes become a dangerous testimony. Listeners will be drawn into the colorful pageantry of Vandal society and the stark political machinations that threaten to ignite a fresh conflict. The story balances sweeping historical detail with intimate reflections, offering a compelling portrait of a world on the brink of transformation.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (503K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
Release date
2010-05-20
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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