Set in Roman Africa in the province of Tripolitania, Leptis Magna was the family home of an imperial Roman dynasty founded by Emperor Severus at the height of the empire. This story is told from the point of view of an heir of that same family 200 years later. This is a world much changed since his great, great, great, granduncle was emperor. It was an age historians call Late Antiquity, a time when one world came to an end and a new world was born. It was a period of epic transition. This searching and historically accurate memoir by the son of a noble family tells of his journey to the court of the emperor to appeal for the protection of his city from raiding tribes. When he is accused of treason by a corrupt general and court official, his fate and that of his family and city are forever changed by the way he answers this charge. Based on a true story by a Roman historian. In a world of fading Roman power, raiding tribes, and corrupt imperial officials, the people of Leptis Magna look to their bishop for guidance and protection. He is tormented by what he has done to become bishop, and does not know which way to turn. In the deafening silence and remorseless presence of the Sahara desert, an answer appears.