Septimius Severus was the unchallenged ruler of the Roman Empire. In every direction he cast his eye across the frontiers in search of new territories he could subdue. But the one challenge that he could never master was controlling his family.

His son was nicknamed "Caracalla" for the clothing from his boyhood which he continued to wear. He was formally named "Antoninus" in hopes that he would turn out like the Five Good Emperors of recent times. He preferred to call himself "Alexander": for he thought of himself as a great hero, destined to conquer the world. But could he ever conquer the spasms of anger that raged within him?