Clearly the novel follows the tradition of the standard historical novel which can be traced back to Sir Walter Scott. At the heart of such works stands an historical event, witnessed or participated in by the usually fictional main character. Although Gann uses historical figures as central characters, they are not well known, so he can fully develop their personal lives. Historical events are alluded to — Silva witnessed the crucifixion of St. Paul, for instance — but Gann generally integrates the fruits of his research naturally into the story. Some modern speech patterns mix with pseudo-archaic forms, and the pictures of Rome's corruption seem frighteningly modern as well, but here Gann clearly wants to establish the parallel. As a traditional historical novel The Antagonists is certainly competent enough, and it seems more interesting because of its treatment of a largely-unknown and important event. Gann notes...