Amid the glamour of imperial Rome during the time of Caesar Adrian, by then old and feeble, the struggle to arrogate his power intensifies. Nothing suspicious can be seen in public light, and nothing seems as though it could ever hinder Rome’s power. All while terrible plots unfold in the shadows of the thick of the lair is Canidia, the evil priestess of the god Anubis, along with her ever-faithful Catilius, who has gained the Emperor’s trust and wishes to marry into the imperial family in order to become the likely successor to the throne. Though not before getting rid of Marcus, grandson of Adrian and Rome is their only hope. If Antonino fails to buy time in announcing a conciliatory Gladiator tournament, Catilius will marry Domizia, Marcus' mother.