Imperium by Robert Harris He

In Rome at the time of Caesar's youth, Rome was ruled as a republic.  So many years ago there was a court, courts actually, and men who would rule the courts with their oratory skill and jury's made up of men who issue the justice of the time.

This is a book about Cicero, and how he beat the odds to become the leading councilor of his time.  The story is told by his slave and secretary, Tiro.  The time of history, 1st century BC is well documented but I believe that Tiro is a fictional character.  In the story he gives himself credit for developing the current shorthand.

Cicero did not come from wealth or have a famous family to give him an advantage in society like the other famous people from that time.  He was always an orator and found a way to make his speeches even the playing field between himself and his competitors.  He was also very clever and chose cases that appealed to the masses instead of ONLY the aristocrats.

I was shocked to see so much of the current legal system alive and well back in that early time.  I had previously thought it to be so much more primitive.  What was not surprising was the gross cruelty by rulers of the surrounding districts.  Men of that time were not supposed to be thieves and murderers but since so many feared them they were able to rule by terror without justice for the most part.

Cicero's first major case was bringing one such ruler to justice.  It was not an easy rode and he had to fight the aristocrats who were heavily bribed.  It is a wonderfully told story of a man who stands up to the system time after time in a very primitive and political time.  The story is made more endearing with Tiro, the always faithful loyal servant who cares for and respects his master.

I was worried that this early time period would bore me to tears with details but it was easy to listen to on CD's and only in a few cases did this very long story go on too long.  I would recommend this to anyone how loves historical fiction.