
The Cleansing
A Novel of Ancient Rome. Based on a true story.
Victoria Alvear(Author)
Hypatia Press
Will be published approx. on 20. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-83919-634-8 (ISBN)
Description
Based on a true story, this is not the enlightened Rome of myth. This is a city choking on fear, where blood flows on both the battlefield and altar, and where generals and politicians alike are desperate to appease rageful gods.
When 50,000 Romans fall in a single day at the Battle of Cannae, priests claim there can be only one reason the gods abandoned Rome: a Vestal Virgin has broken her vow of chastity. And they accuse Opimia (Mia), the strongest, most defiant of the six sacred Vestal priestesses.
Forced as a child into serving Vesta, the goddess of fire, Mia has always chafed against Rome's control of her every move-especially after being separated from her childhood love, Attius. Now, accused of a crime she did not commit, she must defend herself in a hostile court to avoid being buried alive for her "crime."
Betrayed by the high priestess, hunted by Rome's political and religious elite, Mia must either accept her fate - or join with the Sybil of Cumae to expose the truth behind a world built on superstition, fear, and lies.
A story of personal awakening amid public catastrophe, The Cleansing is a haunting journey through a city at war with itself - and a woman who risks everything to survive it.
More details
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
453 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83919-634-8 (9781839196348)
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Schweitzer Classification