Ein Kampf Um Rom: Historischer Roman. Erster Band

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores the power struggles and political dynamics during the turbulent period of the 6th century when the Ostrogoths, led by King Theoderich, ruled over Italy. The narrative introduces significant characters such as Theoderich, his daughter Amalaswintha, and various Gothic warriors, setting the stage for a tale of loyalty, ambition, and the looming threats to their kingdom. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is thick with tension as an old warrior named Hildebrand gathers a group of allies under the cover of a storm to discuss the precarious state of their kingdom. In a temple near Ravenna, Hildebrand warns of the dangers posed by the weakening King Theoderich, whose health is failing, and the possible threats from the Byzantine Empire. The opening establishes a sense of impending doom as the characters engage in discussions about the need for unity and vigilance against external and internal challenges that threaten their way of life, implying a struggle for survival as much as for power. The initial chapters draw readers into the complex relationships between the characters and the political intrigues setting the foundation for the conflicts to come.