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The Medicus Codex
My name is not Gaius Romulus Saccius, though that is how almost all my patients during my long medical career knew me. I've lived in Rome for many years, but my origins are in the province of Palestine. As a young man, many Romans thought I hailed from Judea. They were not correct. I was born and raised in a small village in Galilee, many miles away.
My journey from young Galilean to well-established Roman physician was a long one which brought me into coflict and contact with some rather remarkable people, including Cesar Elagabalus.
As the old curse says, I have lived in very interesting times.
My journey from young Galilean to well-established Roman physician was a long one which brought me into coflict and contact with some rather remarkable people, including Cesar Elagabalus.
As the old curse says, I have lived in very interesting times.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2016
3 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Cy Stein
10 books17 followersDr. Cy Stein is a retired oncologist, research scientist, and professor, and currently, an author,
In addition to writing novels of historical fiction and a work of alternative fiction,, Dr. Stein has authored over 230 original scientific papers, letters, chapters, reviews and editorials.
Stein hails from a notable literary family that includes cousin Harry Stein, author and journalist, and Joseph Stein, playwright of Fiddler On The Roof. Cy is a native New Yorker who now resides there with his wife. He has two children and four grandchildren, He is a graduate of Brown University, and holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University.
In addition to writing novels of historical fiction and a work of alternative fiction,, Dr. Stein has authored over 230 original scientific papers, letters, chapters, reviews and editorials.
Stein hails from a notable literary family that includes cousin Harry Stein, author and journalist, and Joseph Stein, playwright of Fiddler On The Roof. Cy is a native New Yorker who now resides there with his wife. He has two children and four grandchildren, He is a graduate of Brown University, and holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 4, 2016
Cy Stein’s “The Medicus Codex”
Sigmund Freud (The man who has had the greatest influence on my life) believed that all living creatures are born with two basis instincts… a life instinct (a survival instinct) and a death instinct. Freud was greatly influenced by Charles Darwin, Friedrich Nietzsche, Greek and Roman mythology, and his greatest books (“The Interpretation of Dreams” and “Civilization and Its Discontents”) rely heavily on the mythology handed down from the Greeks to the Romans. Cy Stein’s “The Medicus Codex” is at its very core a reaffirmation of all of Freud beliefs and much, much more. It is a riveting, entertaining, educational novel and if one day it is adapted for television it will most likely be produced by the History Channel and not by any of the major networks. It is a down and dirty look at the Roman Empire with a cast of characters, lacking any Super Powers, whose heroics is in their ability to survive from day to day. Empires, like the Roman, British, and Ottoman, were not built on the generosity and benevolence of their Emperors and Empresses but on the brutal repression and rapacity of their conquering armies.
Aaron bar Akiva, the protagonist and narrator of this story, is a young medicus (doctor) from Palestine who travels to Rome to hopefully one day practice with the famous, yet aging medic Galen, whose very words and practices on medicine are hailed throughout the Empire. Numerous events ensue that lead to the epic bent of this sweeping novel, educating readers about the realities of life in the city of Rome during that tumultuous period of time. Some passages are wrenching reminders of what the Jews and Christians actually went through at the hands of Roman rulers, reminding this reader of memoirs and books I have read by former holocaust survivors. Today, The Roman Empire is often alluded to as this great period in time but by putting names and faces to the actual common people who lived during this time Mr. Stein has brilliantly and accurately painted a picture of the brutality and danger that existed throughout this period in history.
In short, during the protagnoist’s duties as a medicus, we are given a first-hand look at the imploding of the Great Roman Empire which is as enthralling to read about as the rest of this wonderful novel.
Sigmund Freud (The man who has had the greatest influence on my life) believed that all living creatures are born with two basis instincts… a life instinct (a survival instinct) and a death instinct. Freud was greatly influenced by Charles Darwin, Friedrich Nietzsche, Greek and Roman mythology, and his greatest books (“The Interpretation of Dreams” and “Civilization and Its Discontents”) rely heavily on the mythology handed down from the Greeks to the Romans. Cy Stein’s “The Medicus Codex” is at its very core a reaffirmation of all of Freud beliefs and much, much more. It is a riveting, entertaining, educational novel and if one day it is adapted for television it will most likely be produced by the History Channel and not by any of the major networks. It is a down and dirty look at the Roman Empire with a cast of characters, lacking any Super Powers, whose heroics is in their ability to survive from day to day. Empires, like the Roman, British, and Ottoman, were not built on the generosity and benevolence of their Emperors and Empresses but on the brutal repression and rapacity of their conquering armies.
Aaron bar Akiva, the protagonist and narrator of this story, is a young medicus (doctor) from Palestine who travels to Rome to hopefully one day practice with the famous, yet aging medic Galen, whose very words and practices on medicine are hailed throughout the Empire. Numerous events ensue that lead to the epic bent of this sweeping novel, educating readers about the realities of life in the city of Rome during that tumultuous period of time. Some passages are wrenching reminders of what the Jews and Christians actually went through at the hands of Roman rulers, reminding this reader of memoirs and books I have read by former holocaust survivors. Today, The Roman Empire is often alluded to as this great period in time but by putting names and faces to the actual common people who lived during this time Mr. Stein has brilliantly and accurately painted a picture of the brutality and danger that existed throughout this period in history.
In short, during the protagnoist’s duties as a medicus, we are given a first-hand look at the imploding of the Great Roman Empire which is as enthralling to read about as the rest of this wonderful novel.
February 9, 2016
From the first page the reader is immersed in a bygone world. Cy Stein is able to bring to life ancient Rome and to make the reader a part of the engaging story. The native of Judea Roman physician Gaius Romulus Saccius treats rich and poor patients according to the knowledge of that time, but the successfully practicing author and oncologist Stein gives his protagonist characteristics that make a good doctor to every age. The novel is not only the story of a doctor, but also a historical document. We know very little about the Rome of the 3rd century AD, but Cy Stein has put together the little existing historical material and filled it with life. While some information on the rulers is guaranteed; he sets the ordinary people who have borne the Roman Empire, a monument. But the corruption of the upper class already forwards the fall of the Roman Empire at that time. The story captivates from the first to the last page. Stein has an elaborate style, but the book was a pleasure to read for me although English is not my mother tongue.
May 20, 2016
Cy Stein entertains and educates the reader in his novel of third century Rome "The Medicus Codex". In picturing the evolution of the physician Aaron bar Akiva in Judea into Gaius Romulus Saccius in Rome, Stein weaves a tale of remarkable intrigue and passion. Characters are vivid, the storyline complex, and the settings varied (from the middle east to Rome to the Rhone Valley in Gaul). Not only is it hard to put the book down, but the reader is left begging to read the sequel in 2017. Remarkably, the book also relates to contemporary medical issues, such as need for clinical trials and evidence based medicine, private investments in the pharmaceutical industry concierge medicine and care for the wealthy versus care for the poor, and discrimination in the professions (religious and wealth based then, racial and gender based now). Bravo!
February 4, 2016
Absolutely brilliant novel by Cy Stein. The subject matter of a time in ancient Rome is not relegated solely to the usual platitudes of gladiators, senators , war and glories. Rather, it is an insightful adventure into the fictional life of a physician/slave/son /husband who is swept up into the politics and atmosphere of a fascinating period in history. Medicine has progressed a very long way , but human nature has not changed.There are times that Dr Stein makes you weep and times he makes you cheer. Through it all you never want it to end. .
The Medicus Codex is truly a novel not to be missed. The writing, at times, is sheer poetry. I could not put the book down . I cannot wait for the next literary venture from Cy Stein!
The Medicus Codex is truly a novel not to be missed. The writing, at times, is sheer poetry. I could not put the book down . I cannot wait for the next literary venture from Cy Stein!
February 5, 2016
Dr. Stein has the uncanny ability to pull you into one of the most interesting epochs of human history. This is a meticulously documented book that alchemizes written words into full activation of your senses as you are seduced into the gritty yet royal roads of Rome. Although the stories are are from another time, the life struggles are prescient and are lessons for living a life of meaning and adventure. I could not put this book down and my wife was soon equally affected by my addiction. The lost sleep was well worth the enriched dreams that followed....
June 8, 2020
This is an entertaining look at life in ancient Rome from the perspective of a Jewish medicus. Dr Stein blends history with a fanciful series of perilous adventures. I was sorry to see it end.
February 6, 2016
You'll never be able to put this novel down! ! Beautifully written and exciting to read from start to finish! ! Another literary masterpiece created by Cy Stein!!
March 2, 2016
Ancient Rome comes alive in this historical fiction by Cy Stein, a relatively new author, who I am certain will become very familiar to those who enjoy losing themselves in riveting and entertaining novels. This book engages the reader from the very beginning: the title. “The Medicus Codex”, “The Doctor’s Ancient Book”…. I had to know more.
The very first page immediately sweeps the reader into another world; one can see the majestic streets of Rome, the splendor, the colors, almost smell the air. The scenes are so wonderfully described, with the exact right amount of details not to overwhelm the reader imagination but allow him/her to create their own vision of the place and time. The Medicus Codex maintains historical accuracy, yet tells an everyday story with everyday people who struggle with many of those obstacles still present in our society. Aaron, a Jewish doctor, has a dream (don’t we all?), and ventures into Rome to achieve it. He is robbed moments after arriving: a prelude to a series of life challenges, which he will have to face. Despite everything Aaron endures, he never compromises his principles, his mission and his goals. But this book is not just about this doctor, it brings to life the story of his family, the poor people in his neighborhood, the enduring conditions of a besieged – much less 'glorious' – Rome.
The other characters in the novel are also wittily developed, especially Marco, who could very well be a 'scugnizzo' from Napoli (or Sicily), one of those street smart youngsters that can make you smile and love them even if they are about to con you. Just as Marco, we can’t forget Ezana the Ethiopian. We can all learn from others, and Aaron can undoubtedly learn something very important from Ezana, who holds the secret of the power of Kelchara… Would this secret help Aaron reach his dream in Rome?
…You will have to read this book to find out and I am sure you will not be able to put it down until you do!
The very first page immediately sweeps the reader into another world; one can see the majestic streets of Rome, the splendor, the colors, almost smell the air. The scenes are so wonderfully described, with the exact right amount of details not to overwhelm the reader imagination but allow him/her to create their own vision of the place and time. The Medicus Codex maintains historical accuracy, yet tells an everyday story with everyday people who struggle with many of those obstacles still present in our society. Aaron, a Jewish doctor, has a dream (don’t we all?), and ventures into Rome to achieve it. He is robbed moments after arriving: a prelude to a series of life challenges, which he will have to face. Despite everything Aaron endures, he never compromises his principles, his mission and his goals. But this book is not just about this doctor, it brings to life the story of his family, the poor people in his neighborhood, the enduring conditions of a besieged – much less 'glorious' – Rome.
The other characters in the novel are also wittily developed, especially Marco, who could very well be a 'scugnizzo' from Napoli (or Sicily), one of those street smart youngsters that can make you smile and love them even if they are about to con you. Just as Marco, we can’t forget Ezana the Ethiopian. We can all learn from others, and Aaron can undoubtedly learn something very important from Ezana, who holds the secret of the power of Kelchara… Would this secret help Aaron reach his dream in Rome?
…You will have to read this book to find out and I am sure you will not be able to put it down until you do!
July 25, 2016
This is a problematic book to review.
I gave it 3 stars, but that's a compromise between the inventiveness of the story (very high marks, somewhere between 4 and 5 stars) and character development/investment (1 or 2 stars, maybe). In a nutshell, I think what we have here is a book that puts too much emphasis on historical accuracy, and it does so at the expense of art.
Stuff happens in the book, no doubt about it. In fact, LOTS of stuff happens. However, for me it was about as engaging as following a bouncing ball: "this happened, then this happened, then this person said that, then that person said this, then something else happened, then..." Bump-de-bump-de-bump, on and on and on, and IMO none of it gave the characters any plasticity, nor did any of it engage me in the story. In fact, I found everyone in the book to be flat with the possible exception of the young emperor whose name escapes me, and he didn't pop into the story until late in the book. This is tolerable in a short 200 or so page book, but at 500+ pages, MC required quite a bit of effort to finish. That's a lot of pages to read when you really don't care about the characters. Like, any of them.
So, while I admire the level of effort that went into making this historically accurate, as a story it just didn't do it for me. I guess I prefer books that hold character development in higher regard than historical accuracy.
As always, this is just my personal opinion. Clearly I'm in the minority here, so caveat emptor.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I honestly think more time should have been spent with the Joffrey-like emperor. I didn't like the dude, but he added quite a bit of color. Just sayin'.
I gave it 3 stars, but that's a compromise between the inventiveness of the story (very high marks, somewhere between 4 and 5 stars) and character development/investment (1 or 2 stars, maybe). In a nutshell, I think what we have here is a book that puts too much emphasis on historical accuracy, and it does so at the expense of art.
Stuff happens in the book, no doubt about it. In fact, LOTS of stuff happens. However, for me it was about as engaging as following a bouncing ball: "this happened, then this happened, then this person said that, then that person said this, then something else happened, then..." Bump-de-bump-de-bump, on and on and on, and IMO none of it gave the characters any plasticity, nor did any of it engage me in the story. In fact, I found everyone in the book to be flat with the possible exception of the young emperor whose name escapes me, and he didn't pop into the story until late in the book. This is tolerable in a short 200 or so page book, but at 500+ pages, MC required quite a bit of effort to finish. That's a lot of pages to read when you really don't care about the characters. Like, any of them.
So, while I admire the level of effort that went into making this historically accurate, as a story it just didn't do it for me. I guess I prefer books that hold character development in higher regard than historical accuracy.
As always, this is just my personal opinion. Clearly I'm in the minority here, so caveat emptor.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I honestly think more time should have been spent with the Joffrey-like emperor. I didn't like the dude, but he added quite a bit of color. Just sayin'.
July 11, 2016
Dr. Cy Stein has created a wonderful and engaging story that I had trouble putting down!
This is the story of Gaius Romulus Saccius, the Roman name of a Judean from Galilee who has arrived in Rome in hopes of becoming a student of the most prominent physician of the time, Galen. Thus begins the journey of a poor young medicus, as he learns to navigate his way living in Rome, eventually coming to the attention of the royal household where he is picked to become the emperor's personal physician. Along the way he must learn to play the games of the elite, in order to stay alive.
Set in the time right at the end of Caracalla's reign and through the reign of young, Elagabalus, this was a great adventure into the Rome of the past with all the struggles and machinations of rich and poor alike. Along the way, you also learn a bit about the medical practices and treatments that were used in that time.
I greatly enjoyed this book and I almost didn't get it, simply because it wasn't available in kindle format and I find the prices of normal books just too expensive anymore. But, I am glad I did and I will certainly be reading the book that follows, supposedly coming out next year.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
5 stars and a favorite.
This is the story of Gaius Romulus Saccius, the Roman name of a Judean from Galilee who has arrived in Rome in hopes of becoming a student of the most prominent physician of the time, Galen. Thus begins the journey of a poor young medicus, as he learns to navigate his way living in Rome, eventually coming to the attention of the royal household where he is picked to become the emperor's personal physician. Along the way he must learn to play the games of the elite, in order to stay alive.
Set in the time right at the end of Caracalla's reign and through the reign of young, Elagabalus, this was a great adventure into the Rome of the past with all the struggles and machinations of rich and poor alike. Along the way, you also learn a bit about the medical practices and treatments that were used in that time.
I greatly enjoyed this book and I almost didn't get it, simply because it wasn't available in kindle format and I find the prices of normal books just too expensive anymore. But, I am glad I did and I will certainly be reading the book that follows, supposedly coming out next year.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
5 stars and a favorite.
February 25, 2016
My favorite genres are mystery and history; however after reading a few pages and meeting Romulus and going through his first patient with Inflammatio of the urinary tract (prostate issues) I was hooked. This period in history is rather interesting, as life was full of mystery and surviving difficult. Romulus' patient was thought had been poison (by his family) and therefore all slaves and help had been arrested and were targeted to be killed. The correct diagnosis satisfied the family, but most important it made sense and accepted the explanation by Romulus. Slaves were freed....and so continues the career and evolution of this compassionate doctor. I can only hope that the sequel is not too far behind.
February 16, 2016
Poison, death, romance, royalty, and a righteous hero – “The Medicus Codex” has it all. Even better, this meticulously researched re-creation of ancient Rome is rollicking enough that readers learn about medicine and its historical development without even trying. Toga and sandals aside, Aaron is quite clearly a modern physician, with an intolerance for injustice, combined with more than healthy doses of compassion, courage and curiosity, all of which feed a determination to be an even better healer of the sick and the wounded. There's much to learn here about medicine yesterday -- and today.
August 13, 2016
Stein's expertly crafted dialogs, often among adversarial characters engaged in brinksmanship at the highest levels, continually imbue the narrative with powerful forward momentum. Wasting never a single word, Stein's sure hand propels the reader on an exhilarating ride along treacherous currents. What new dangers lurk around the next bend? Readers can be certain that Stein will deftly and entertainingly navigate these rapids, and that The Medicus Codex will continually delight. A masterful work.
July 14, 2016
The Medicus Codex is a splendid tale of the struggles of a Judean physician with tragedy, prejudice, and romance during the days of ancient Romans. Dr Stein creates an intellectual read that couples with excitement and intrigue. I LOVED THIS BOOK! After reading it I feel I satisfied my yearning for a relaxing fictitious read yet also feel as if I took a history course on the Roman empire!...truly good read.
February 16, 2016
The Medicus Codex takes the reader on an unforgettable trip through the ancient Roman empire. The author brings this story to life with compelling, believable characters that make the book near-impossible to put down. The sights, smells, and tastes of Rome come to life through the author's fully realized story and engaging prose. I anxiously await the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews