'Unto Caesar' Summary

'Unto Caesar' follows Dea Flavia, a noblewoman from the powerful Julius Caesar's family, as she encounters a slave girl whose life is about to be sold. Dea Flavia, known for her intelligence and determination, refuses to let the girl be sold into servitude. She challenges the authority of Taurus Antinor, a Roman official, by invoking Roman law, reminding him of his duty to uphold justice. However, Antinor argues for the girl's sale on grounds of compassion, claiming that she is better off in servitude than in her current condition. Through this heated exchange, the novel explores the conflicting values of law and compassion, the power dynamics of Roman society, and the complexities of slavery in ancient Rome. Dea Flavia, as a woman of privilege and power, challenges traditional societal norms and asserts her own interpretation of justice, demonstrating her strength and independence in the face of societal expectations and the limitations placed upon women in that era. 'Unto Caesar' paints a vivid picture of ancient Roman life and explores the multifaceted nature of power, justice, and social responsibility in a world where even the most powerful can be bound by the rules of law.