You know, Lindsay Davies has an awful lot to answer for: indeed she has got me into reading ancient history. I have gone from ancient Rome and her very entertaining and informative Falco series, to Greece and latterly, Egypt.
Responsible in no small part for all for all of this is this book - a little different from the Falco series but it complements and develops an historical aspect of Falco's times. (If you haven't yet met Marcus Didius Falco, it's high time you did - highly recommended).
However don't be put off; this is no dry history of Emperor Vespasian and his life-long mistress (and love) Caenis, but a living, lively and at times a moving account of very real people.
Buy it - read it - love it.
Thank you, Lindsay, you've done it again!