Circus Maximus: Race to the Death

In the book, Twelve-year-old Dido dreams of becoming the first female charioteer at the great Circus Maximus. She is forced to seek refuge with an unlikely ally when her father is murdered. She faces a powerful and terrifying new enemy, the emperor Caligula, and must follow her dreams against all odds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Head of Zeus

The Circus Maximus, the grandest sporting arena of ancient Rome, witnessed the fierce competition between the finest horses and their skilled charioteers, where the ultimate prize was a race to the death. Amidst this adrenaline-fueled spectacle, a young girl named Dido harbored a burning ambition—to become the first female charioteer in the history of Circus Maximus. Driven by her love for horses and her determination to achieve greatness, Dido dedicated herself to mastering the art of chariot racing.

However, her dreams were not easily fulfilled. The world of Circus Maximus was strictly male-dominated, and women were barred from participating in the dangerous and prestigious sport. Undeterred, Dido refused to let societal norms hinder her pursuit of glory. She spent countless hours training with her father, Antonius, a renowned trainer of the famous racing team, The Greens. Alongside her father, Dido imparted her knowledge of racing to Justus, the handsome young nephew of the Greens' wealthy owner.

Despite her accomplishments, Dido's path was fraught with challenges. When her father was tragically murdered, she found herself forced into hiding, seeking refuge with an unlikely ally. But her troubles were far from over. As she continued to pursue her dream, Dido faced a formidable and terrifying new enemy—the emperor Caligula.

Caligula, known for his cruelty and his thirst for power, saw Dido's ambition as a threat to his authority. He ordered her execution, believing that a woman's place was in the home, not on the battlefield. However, Dido's determination knew no bounds. She escaped from her captors, determined to fulfill her destiny and prove that she was capable of achieving greatness in the world of Circus Maximus.

With the help of her newfound allies, Dido embarked on a perilous journey back to Rome. She faced countless obstacles and dangers, including treacherous terrain, fierce rivalries, and the wrath of Caligula's loyal followers. But Dido's courage and skill prevailed, and she finally arrived at Circus Maximus, ready to face her final challenge.

In the heart of the arena, Dido and her beloved horse, Porcellus, took their place in the race. The crowd cheered as they charged forward, their chariots gliding across the sand with incredible speed and agility. Dido's determination was evident in every stride, and she pushed Porcellus to his limits, determined to claim victory and fulfill her dream.

As the race reached its climax, Dido and Porcellus emerged as the winners. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, celebrating the triumph of a young girl who had defied all odds and conquered the greatest sporting stage of ancient Rome. Dido's legacy as the first female charioteer would forever be etched in history, and she would be remembered as a symbol of courage, determination, and the power of dreams.

In the aftermath of her victory, Dido faced new challenges and opportunities. She continued to train and race, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their passions and break gender barriers. She also became a mentor to aspiring charioteers, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them achieve their goals.

The story of Dido and her journey to Circus Maximus is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination. It reminds us that no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem, we can overcome them with courage, skill, and unwavering determination. Dido's dream of becoming a charioteer may have started as a simple childhood ambition, but it became a symbol of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800240582