What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last of the Romans #3
The Gates of Carthage: A Novel of Belisarius
Honor is secondary to survival.
Reeling from their losses at Callinicum, the Roman army has repulsed the Persians from Mesopotamia, but at horrendous cost. Belisarius’ improbable triumph at Dara is cast aside by a vengeful legate, condemning Constantinople’s vaunted general to ignominious imprisonment. With his last order, Belisarius pleads with Varus to lead the army to safety and to bring peace to a shattered land.
Yet, conflict flares at other corners of the Empire with the merciless Vandal hordes looming over the wealthy cities of Egypt, pillaging and burning along the African coastline. Emperor Justinian greedily snatches at the opportunity, instructing his battered armies to seize the fabled city of Carthage against a tribe fabled for their appetite for destruction, undefeated in a century of combat against the Romans. And, against a warrior class that understands only one law: strength conquers all.
During preparation for war against the Vandals, the Emperor funds a glorious spectacle of chariot racing, drawing tens of thousands from across the Empire to the Hippodrome. Yet, just as an unbowed enemy occupies the fabled city of Carthage, so too have foes of the Emperor multiplied within the walls of Constantinople. Overtaxed, starving, and brutalized by the Emperor’s lawgivers, the Hippodrome’s sea of Green and Blue racing supporters are like kindling, awaiting the faintest spark to ignite in revolt against the heir to Caesar.
From civil strife to distant war, the Eastern Empire shall never be the same. And, in his moment of greatest need, the Emperor seeks the aid of Belisarius not only to achieve dreams of Roman glory along the distant African coast, but to save the lives of the Imperial court amidst the most disastrous rebellion in living memory.
Reeling from their losses at Callinicum, the Roman army has repulsed the Persians from Mesopotamia, but at horrendous cost. Belisarius’ improbable triumph at Dara is cast aside by a vengeful legate, condemning Constantinople’s vaunted general to ignominious imprisonment. With his last order, Belisarius pleads with Varus to lead the army to safety and to bring peace to a shattered land.
Yet, conflict flares at other corners of the Empire with the merciless Vandal hordes looming over the wealthy cities of Egypt, pillaging and burning along the African coastline. Emperor Justinian greedily snatches at the opportunity, instructing his battered armies to seize the fabled city of Carthage against a tribe fabled for their appetite for destruction, undefeated in a century of combat against the Romans. And, against a warrior class that understands only one law: strength conquers all.
During preparation for war against the Vandals, the Emperor funds a glorious spectacle of chariot racing, drawing tens of thousands from across the Empire to the Hippodrome. Yet, just as an unbowed enemy occupies the fabled city of Carthage, so too have foes of the Emperor multiplied within the walls of Constantinople. Overtaxed, starving, and brutalized by the Emperor’s lawgivers, the Hippodrome’s sea of Green and Blue racing supporters are like kindling, awaiting the faintest spark to ignite in revolt against the heir to Caesar.
From civil strife to distant war, the Eastern Empire shall never be the same. And, in his moment of greatest need, the Emperor seeks the aid of Belisarius not only to achieve dreams of Roman glory along the distant African coast, but to save the lives of the Imperial court amidst the most disastrous rebellion in living memory.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
568 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2022
253 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 27, 2024
Really enjoying this underrated series. 5⭐️
November 14, 2023
The Cost of Civilization
Nicely paced & mostly well plotted. Although a work of fiction, it is based on the state of the ancient world. It is easy to forget what it cost to establish Western civilization. Stories like these remind us of what we stand to lose with our current Western civilization under threat. We must never allow the wholesale return to barbarism under the guise of social justice & political ideology.
Nicely paced & mostly well plotted. Although a work of fiction, it is based on the state of the ancient world. It is easy to forget what it cost to establish Western civilization. Stories like these remind us of what we stand to lose with our current Western civilization under threat. We must never allow the wholesale return to barbarism under the guise of social justice & political ideology.
June 19, 2024
Hell of a series so far, hoping the next one comes soon
May 29, 2023
Completing the Trilogy, Havelock now has Belisarius in prison after the battle with the Persians, which Belisarius won by strategy despite the Persian superiority in numbers. Belisarius is thrown into prison by his political colleague and rival, Hermogenes. This effectively takes Belisarius out of the story, and begs the question, why is this Trilogy named 'A Novel About Belisarius'?
The action is all about Varus (Pharas) the Herulian, one of Belisarius's trusted commanders. In this part, Pharas is thrown into prison with a Persian hostage, Prince Xerxes the son of the Sassanid King Khavath. After a kangaroo court trial, during which a friend appears as if by a miracle to plead on his behalf, he is released and reunited with his wife and daughter. But the most striking chapters are those devoted to the Nika riots of 532 CE in which many of Varus's comrades are slain, in protests at Justinian's lavish lifestyle and needless foreign wars, while the common citizenry starved and Constantinople lay open to invaders. Ultimately, Theodora and Justinian, with the help of Varus and Belisarius, retain the throne against the mob's nominee, Hypatius. The final chapters are dedicated to Vandal wars and the retaking of Carthage.
This trilogy would have benefited as a single standalone book. It is not fair either to the memory of Belisarius, not to that of Varus, though sympathetic to both. The empress Theodora is revealed in this volume to be calculating and manipulative to the point of plotting murder, although in the earlier books, she had a more positive colouring. Justinian is shown to be a cowardly bully, and the main antagonist, while he is able to inflict serious damage, is at best a threat in the background. And while it has few anachronisms, the word 'shrapnel' jumps out at you in the era of spears and swords. It is a curiously unsatisfactory book, despite the wealth of striking characters and the great military struggles.
September 30, 2022
Received an advance reading copy.
This is the best book thus far in the series. I loved Belisarius' portrayal in this third installment covering the Vandal war - cunning beyond all measure, a true soldier's leader, yet also incredibly human. This story came to life as I read it and provided one of the best battle scenes I've ever read with the final push against a horde of Vandals. The plot continues to thicken and I can't wait until the next book.
This is the best book thus far in the series. I loved Belisarius' portrayal in this third installment covering the Vandal war - cunning beyond all measure, a true soldier's leader, yet also incredibly human. This story came to life as I read it and provided one of the best battle scenes I've ever read with the final push against a horde of Vandals. The plot continues to thicken and I can't wait until the next book.
November 15, 2022
Amazing is to weak a description!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I feel as if I am going through what the characters are going through. I hear the honor and oath taking of these historical characters. I can imagine Belisarius standing tall, holding Justin's oath in his head. Well done. More. More. More!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I feel as if I am going through what the characters are going through. I hear the honor and oath taking of these historical characters. I can imagine Belisarius standing tall, holding Justin's oath in his head. Well done. More. More. More!
December 8, 2022
AWESOME SERIES!
I LOVED all three of these, the author did a SUPERB job bringing these tales to
Life! The best part is the blending of reality with fiction, I felt like I knew them when I was done. I have a giant crush on Varus (Pharus). Cant wait for more. You have a big fan here, Mr. Havelock. ❤️
I LOVED all three of these, the author did a SUPERB job bringing these tales to
Life! The best part is the blending of reality with fiction, I felt like I knew them when I was done. I have a giant crush on Varus (Pharus). Cant wait for more. You have a big fan here, Mr. Havelock. ❤️
February 11, 2023
Brings history to life.
Sometimes hard to follow, but a highly enlightening while entertaining story. Seems remarkably possible as written. The author has an uncanny insight into the minds and psyche of his characters.
The one thing that could make it easier to understand would be if Amazon could find a way to include copies of the maps provided in the print version.
Sometimes hard to follow, but a highly enlightening while entertaining story. Seems remarkably possible as written. The author has an uncanny insight into the minds and psyche of his characters.
The one thing that could make it easier to understand would be if Amazon could find a way to include copies of the maps provided in the print version.
March 19, 2023
An interesting read
While the Author takes some liberties this being historical fiction I found this really quite a good account of Belisarius invasion of North Africa. The characters are very believable and a nicely not to life. The description of the Roman armies and their battles are also very well done.
While the Author takes some liberties this being historical fiction I found this really quite a good account of Belisarius invasion of North Africa. The characters are very believable and a nicely not to life. The description of the Roman armies and their battles are also very well done.
October 16, 2022
Roma Victrix
Great history, solid pacing and plot. Definitely a worthy read for historical fiction fans and I look forward to the next installment. My only complaint is that I wanted more.
Great history, solid pacing and plot. Definitely a worthy read for historical fiction fans and I look forward to the next installment. My only complaint is that I wanted more.
October 31, 2022
Brilliant historic novel
It is an interesting era that has not been covered as much as the early Roman empire. With real characters and incidents from the period that bring the story to life.
It is an interesting era that has not been covered as much as the early Roman empire. With real characters and incidents from the period that bring the story to life.
November 6, 2022
Amazing series!!!!
It's difficult nowadays to find truly well written & riveting historical novels. The last of the Romans series I'd an example of just such books. Brilliant, just brilliant!!
It's difficult nowadays to find truly well written & riveting historical novels. The last of the Romans series I'd an example of just such books. Brilliant, just brilliant!!
November 8, 2022
While apparently not the capstone to the Belisarius series, this book was most entertaining, with a story line that flowed quickly and purposely. My only complaint was that there seemed to be a handful of mis-spellings or other editing errors. Proof readers.....please do a better job.
November 16, 2022
Fantastic story told by a master story teller
History brought to life by the author. believable characterisation makes complex history unputdownable! Bring on the next in the series please
History brought to life by the author. believable characterisation makes complex history unputdownable! Bring on the next in the series please
December 9, 2022
OUTSTANDING
Once again, Havelock’s sublime writing and corresponding imagery is a pleasure to read. Possibly intended, the continuing saga of Varus and Belisarius compels the reader to press further into historical research. A must read for those who enjoy Roman history.
Once again, Havelock’s sublime writing and corresponding imagery is a pleasure to read. Possibly intended, the continuing saga of Varus and Belisarius compels the reader to press further into historical research. A must read for those who enjoy Roman history.
December 25, 2022
EXCELLENT
Havelock researched the society and culture of the period and incorporated it seamlessly into the three Belisarius novels. His writing is super and the reader flows with the novels. Highly recommend.
Havelock researched the society and culture of the period and incorporated it seamlessly into the three Belisarius novels. His writing is super and the reader flows with the novels. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2023
Entertaining and learned a few things.
Good continuation of previous books although shorter on detail than earlier novels. I looked forward to reading ever night. Look forward to the next installment.
Good continuation of previous books although shorter on detail than earlier novels. I looked forward to reading ever night. Look forward to the next installment.
September 2, 2023
the beat goes on
Mix of interesting interpersonal relationships, conflicts, alliances and betrayals, all of which develop alongside the struggle for the Eastern Roman Empire to survive And recapture some of ‘the grandeur that was Rome.’
Mix of interesting interpersonal relationships, conflicts, alliances and betrayals, all of which develop alongside the struggle for the Eastern Roman Empire to survive And recapture some of ‘the grandeur that was Rome.’
June 16, 2024
Good history, good writing , good series!
Love learning history but hate reading history books. Historical novels make history fun, when the writer adds a little humor, well developed characters & relationships & slips a fair amount of history in!
Love learning history but hate reading history books. Historical novels make history fun, when the writer adds a little humor, well developed characters & relationships & slips a fair amount of history in!
October 18, 2022
Terrific
A terrific end to a great saga. Loved every single minute of the series. A great read with plenty of action.
A terrific end to a great saga. Loved every single minute of the series. A great read with plenty of action.
November 3, 2022
page turner
Well written, with the characters and story flowing cleanly, plenty of excitement and interesting twists. Thanks to the author, cheers.
Well written, with the characters and story flowing cleanly, plenty of excitement and interesting twists. Thanks to the author, cheers.
November 23, 2022
Great book!
Great book! I have really enjoyed the entire series so far. I hope the series continues. This is one of my favorite historical periods.
Great book! I have really enjoyed the entire series so far. I hope the series continues. This is one of my favorite historical periods.
December 4, 2022
Outstanding
Gritty and realistic,a believable historical novel that also captivates with facts and figures. Well written and a pleasure to partake of.
Gritty and realistic,a believable historical novel that also captivates with facts and figures. Well written and a pleasure to partake of.
January 23, 2023
Very good series. Full of historical relevance and rich characters. Books like these make me love historical fiction.
August 5, 2023
This is just a top-notch, well-written, well-researched, novel of the continuing adventures of Belisario and Varus. It is exactly on par with the past two installments of the series.
August 7, 2023
excellent Book
William Havelock can sure right a riveting book about the Roman legions. Get the book, it won’t disappoint you.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure.
William Havelock can sure right a riveting book about the Roman legions. Get the book, it won’t disappoint you.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure.
October 16, 2024
More of the history we never knew. Historical fiction at its best!
November 22, 2025
Too good to put down.
Fascinating adventure from the sands of the chariot race track to a brutal winter atop an African mountain. Varus fought the enemies of Rome.
Fascinating adventure from the sands of the chariot race track to a brutal winter atop an African mountain. Varus fought the enemies of Rome.
November 3, 2023
This series of books read exceedingly well researched. Their style and dialogue and storyline will keep the reader engaged and asking for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews