AD256 - a battle-bloodied Ballista returns to the Roman imperial palace at Antioch from the now ravaged city of Arete. Once a symbol of Rome's indomitable power - now fallen to the mercy of its Persian invaders.

262 AD - the Imperium is in turmoil after the struggle for the throne. Furthermore, Ephesus, Asia's metropolis, lies in ruins, shattered by a mighty earthquake. Its citizens live in fear as the mob overwhelms the city, baying for blood to avenge the gods who have punished them. Yet an even greater threat to the Empire advances from the North.