Belshazzar

A historical fantasy with intriguing supernatural undertones, Rider Haggard's Belshazzar is a fascinating ride through the last years of the Babylonian Empire in the 6th century BC, and the months leading to the famous 'writing on the wall' story in the Bible. Ramose, the handsome son of an Egyptian Pharaoh and a Greek mother undergoes a series of adventures after meeting a beautiful Syrian Queen and rescuing her baby daughter from certain death. In the years that follow, Ramose wades through the political, military and sexual undercurrents of this most fascinating period of ancient history. Finally, he comes to face the ruthless Belshazzar, the last ruler of the opulent but ultimately corrupt city of Babylon, just before it is sacked by the Persian army.