The gladiator - Simon Scarrow (Eagles of the empire #9)

At the end of a harrowing campaign, centurions Macro and Cato are sailing for Rome. Their journey is interrupted off the coast of Crete when an earthquake strikes. The transport ship is severely damaged, and they are forced to limp to shore.

The province is in chaos. Worse, the slave population has taken the opportunity to revolt. Against a strong legion, the renegades would have little chance, but the garrison troops are of poor quality. As Roman men and weaponry fall to enemy, the balance of power is in danger of switching,

Macro and Cato face a rebellion that could ignite an uprising across the Empire. Against them stands a powerful leader: Ajax. A gladiator who has fearlessly faced death daily, Ajax is driven by a desire for vengeance both political and personal. And he may represent a force too great for Rome to overcome...