The Eagle and the Lambda

First Punic War, 256 B. C. The struggle between Rome and Carthage has been raging on for over ten years in the bitterly disputed island of Sicily. The Roman Senate, eager to put an end to the conflict, has entrusted Marcus Atilius Regulus, Consul of the Roman Republic, and an outstanding general, the command of four legions and of the greatest fleet ever assembled. His task is to bring the war to Carthaginian soil.

After a number of defeats in African territory, the Carthaginian Senate, aware of the danger the city faces, places its last hopes in the expert Spartan mercenary general Xanthippus. However, they do not entirely trust the Greek general. Arishat, the most experienced and best paid courtesan in Carthage, will be instructed to keep an eye on the Spartan while he prepares an army of half-hearted citizens to face the undefeated legions of the Roman Consul.

Based on the writings of the Greek historian Polybius, Pedro Santamaría recreates with astonishing realism, accuracy and ever increasing intensity, the fascinating story of Rome's first invasion of Africa.