In this remarkable dual biography of the two great lovers of antiquity, preeminent historian Adrian Goldsworthy goes beyond myth and romance to create a nuanced and historically acute portrayal of his subjects--who were first and foremost "political animals."

The two lands -- The "she-wolf": Rome's Republic -- The Ptolemies -- The orator, the spendthrift and the pirates -- The oboe player -- Adolescent -- The return of the king -- Candidate -- "The new sibling-loving gods" -- Tribune -- Queen -- Civil war -- Caesar -- Master of horse -- Not king, but Caesar -- Consul -- "One of three" -- Goddess -- Vengeance -- Dionysus and Aphrodite -- Crisis -- Invasion -- "Lover of her fatherland" -- "India and Asia tremble": the grand expedition -- Queen of kings -- "Is she my wife?" -- War -- Actium -- "A fine deed" -- Conclusion: History and the great romance.