There is a side of Julius Caesar that is not well known. By today’s standards, and rightly so, he is often seen as a ruthless dictator. However, what we sometimes overlook is that Caesar was one of the rare Roman senators who believed power should be shared with citizens and that helping the poorest should be a priority of the Republic. It was important for me to show this side of him while also raising a broader philosophical question: should we judge historical figures by today’s standards? To explore this, the story shows how, when certain beliefs and systems are deeply embedded in daily life, even “good” people can commit atrocious acts simply because society accepts them as normal.

Through Liam’s and Aria’s experiences, I wanted to show how deeply unequal the ancient world was—how power, wealth, and rights were concentrated in the hands of a few, while many others had little or no control over their own lives. Liam, who is not especially interested in history, is shocked as he discovers this reality firsthand. Aria, though more familiar with history, is also challenged when she witnesses these injustices happening in front of her. Their different reactions reflect how confronting lived reality can be far more unsettling than reading about it.

Another timeless topic discussed in the book is bullying, and why children can become bullies.

History does not have to repeat itself if we choose to learn from it.

Coline Monsarrat