Euryanax is encamped with his father Dorieus' army in Italy. While sleeping outside the walls of Taras, they are attacked by indigenous tribesmen called Messapians. The Italians charge the camp on horseback, barking like dogs, throwing javelins and pelting the Spartan shieldwall with arrows and sling stones.
The cavalry attack is only a feint meant to draw the Spartans' attention. While the army repels the invaders, a lone man sneaks into the tent of Dorieus' mistress, the beautiful hetaera Stesilaus and carries her off to the mysterious city of Sybaris.
In the ancient world, Sybaris was synonymous with wealth, debauchery and impiety. The Sybarites are ruled by the tyrant Telys, who is intent on conquering all of southern Italy, including its neighboring city of Croton, home of the philosopher Pythagoras and his peaceful followers, the Cenobites.
Will Dorieus' army become embroiled in the war between Sybaris and Croton, a struggle the Greeks considered akin to the Biblical tale of Sodom and Gomorrah? Or will the Spartans continue on to Sicily, where they intend on building a colony on Mount Eryx and resuming Dorieus' private war against the Persian Empire?
Wander with Euryanax as his adventures lead him to the cities of Taras, Croton and Sybaris in Italy, and Heraklea, Motya and Selenius in Sicily. Then sail with him across the wine-dark sea to Attica, where Athens is attempting to overthrow its own tyrant, Hippias.
Stand with Eury as he battles tyrants, mercenaries, barbarians and the powers of the East. Listen to the wisdom of Pythagoras, the schemes of the wily, lawyer Themistocles and the speeches of the future 'father of democracy, ' Cleisthenes. As you do, you'll watch Euryanax learn that becoming a Spartan King, means a lot more than leading soldiers to victory.
