Part II March of 73 B.C.-Quinctilis of 65 B.C.: Chapter 1 Summary

After being publicly slighted and humiliated, Publius Clodius vindictively accuses Fabia and other Vestal Virgins of unchaste acts with Lucius Sergius Catilina and Marcus Crassus. He loses the case because of his lack of hard evidence and haughty behavior. Cicero and Caesar try to warn him to control his temper and self-righteousness. As a result, important Roman families shun him, disgusted by his prosecution. As a result, he loses his opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Roman government. Unfazed, Clodius begins to compile a revenge list and frequents taverns. He enjoys being with outsiders and the lower classes. However, like Caesar, he too aspires to the title of Rome's First Man.

Clodius leaves Rome and departs to the east to join the...