Germanus
A Novel of Hadrian's Wall
by
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The year was 365. Marcus Cornelius Germanus, a decurion of the field army, furrowed his brow and stared unhappily from the deck of the military transport vessel. This craft, after lurching and rolling its way from Bononia on the north coast of
These melancholy thoughts were soon interrupted by yelling and bustling on the quay as the galley bumped and scraped against the rough grey walls of the mole. When it was safely moored Germanus found himself standing unsteadily once more on dry land, a wretched and thoroughly miserable figure. Now began the period of anxious waiting for the arrival of the accompanying vessel with its cargo of horses and heavy baggage.
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About the Book
This is the story of Germanus, a Roman cavalry officer, who is caught up in the greatest event of Hadrian’s Wall, its invasion by the Picts and Scots in 367 AD. The barbarians occupy most of Britain until they are driven back in 369. Two years before this event Germanus was posted from Gaul to a small fort on Hadrian’s Wall, Pons Aelius (Newcastle), as a punishment for sexual misdemeanours. There he falls in love with Juliona. Later he is transferred to Cilurnum fort near Corbridge, which is overcome by the Picts. Germanus escapes, and in the chaos he finds Juliona again. They marry, but Juliona is killed during the Picts’ withdrawal, and Germanus overcome with grief, finally leaves Britain.
About the Author
Anthony Birney was born near and now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne, North - East England. He is an ex- University lecturer and acting head of a large Modern Languages department. Previously he worked in France and was also for a time a Russian translator at the Foreign Office.
“Germanus” is the first of his two novels and the first to be published. Historical fiction is one of his many interests. He is perhaps better known as a librettist and composer, with his oratorio “Paul”, rock cantata “Pilgrim”, and four musicals: “Jane Eyre”, “Arthur and Guenevere”, “Patrick” and “Peace in Our Time”.
He has long been fascinated by the Dark Ages, Roman Britain and Hadrian’s Wall.