Those About to Die

AD 79 - When Roman citizens riot in desperate need for food, Domitian, the emperor’s youngest son, comes up with a plan. Tenax, the lord of the betting underworld, schemes to secure a huge prize that would change his future. The Corsi brothers arrive in Rome to sell their horses. In Africa, Kwame and his sisters, are forcibly taken by Romans and their mother Cala sets out to get them back.

Tenax and Domitian start their own racing Gold Faction and recruit renowned charioteer Scorpus to join them. Patricians Antonia and Marsus try to undermine their efforts while Cala offers to help Tenax to ensure her daughters' safety. Emperor Vespasian contemplates which of his sons - Titus the soldier or Domitian the politician - should succeed him.

Gladiators Kwame and Viggo build a bond over their likely ill-fated futures. Tenax and Domitian’s Gold Faction put on an extravagant display in their inaugural chariot races. The Judean Queen Berenice tries to convince Titus of his brother’s treacherous plans to claim the throne. Vespasian chooses his heir.

Titus shuts down the Gold Faction to appease the Patricians while Scorpus, suspicious of Tenax's plan, joins the White faction. Domitian orchestrates a grisly spectacle to show his strength. Tenax meets Ursus, a dangerous man from his past, who threatens everything.

In an effort to save his image and cement his authority, Titus publicly sends Berenice away and marries his cousin, a Roman. Tenax’s dark past is finally revealed, and his frantic chase for Ursus leaves someone dead. Kwame prepares for his fight with Flamma, a death sentence.

A dark day looms over Rome with the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Titus punishes Marsus and the Patricians involved in a planned coup. Domitian convinces Titus to reinstate the Gold Faction. Tenax is dangerously wounded in a battle with Ursus.