Mary Renault

The paternity of Theseus, the grandson of the King of Troizen is shrouded in mystery - can he really be the son of the god Poseidon? When he discovers his father's sword beneath a rock, his mother must reveal his true identity: Theseus is the son of Aegeus, King of Athens, and is his only heir. So begins Theseus's perilous journey to his father's palace to claim his birth right.

Alexias, a young Athenian, grows up just as the Peloponnesian War is drawing to a close. The adult world he enters is one in which the power and influence of his class have been undermined by the war, and Alexias finds himself drawn to the controversial teachings of Sokrates. Among the followers, Alexias meets Lysis, and the two youths become inseparable. Their relationship captures vividly the intricacies of classical Greek culture.

Nikeratos is a gifted tragic actor in Ancient Greece. He carries with him a golden mask of Apollo as a reminder of an age when the theatre was at its zenith. This mascot gradually turns into Nikeratos’ conscience as he meets famous actors and philosophers, including the great Plato.

Having freed the city of Athens from the rule of Knossos, Theseus has returned home to find his father dead and himself the new king. But his adventures have only just begun: he still must confront the Amazons, capture their queen, Hippolyta, and face the tragic results of Phaedra's jealous rage.