Lustrum
Assuming office as Consul of Rome in 63 BC, Cicero uncovers the Catiline conspiracy, an armed insurrection threatening the overthrow of the Republic. Guided by secretary Tiro, Cicero exercises executive authority to execute the conspirators, only to face political isolation, ruthless maneuvering by Julius Caesar, and the threat of exile.
Robert Harris meticulously researches the historical period, and Lustrum is deeply rooted in the actual political events and figures of ancient Rome during Cicero's time. While the narrative is fictionalized, the major political machinations and key historical figures are accurately portrayed.
While Lustrum is the second book in the Cicero trilogy, it can be read as a standalone novel. Harris provides enough context for new readers to understand the political landscape and character motivations without having read "Imperium" first.
Lustrum is part of the Cicero trilogy, which has been adapted into a stage play titled "Imperium" by Mike Poulton, encompassing elements from all three books. There is no direct film or television adaptation of "Lustrum" specifically.