Step back in time to ancient Rome with Georg Ebers' 'The Emperor'. This historical fiction follows the life of Hadrian, the Roman emperor who ruled from 117 to 138. Born in Italica, Spain, Hadrian's rise to power is marked by political alliances and strategic marriages. After marrying Trajan's grand-niece Vibia Sabina, Hadrian gains favor with Trajan's wife Pompeia Plotina and adviser Lucius Licinius Sura. When Trajan dies, his widow claims he nominated Hadrian as emperor, setting the stage for a tumultuous reign.