New and fully translated. The protagonist of the novel is Minutus Lausus Manilianus, who recounts his life in his memories. Growing up as a half-orphan in Antioch, he moves to Rome at a young age with his father. There, he befriends the slightly younger Lucius, who later becomes Emperor Nero, under whose rule he follows the typical career path and makes a name for himself in Rome. In doing so, Minutus comes into close contact with the first Christians, who are just transitioning from a Jewish sect to an independent religious community. He witnesses the rift between Nero's power-hungry mother Agrippina and her son, and becomes a witness to the first persecutions of Christians under Emperor Nero following the great fire of Rome, as well as the turmoil after Nero's death. Soon after, Vespasian takes over the rule, with whom Minutus has an old acquaintance.