In 310 AD, the Roman Empire is under threat by traitors within the Roman government. After continuous attacks on their northern borders by hordes of Germanic barbarians, Centurion Marcus discovers that the invaders have been supplied with Roman weapons and equipment. Proconsul Tullius Valerius suspects that Gaius Appius Quintillianus, the provincial governor of the northern Germanic states, is secretly collaborating with those barbarian chiefs plotting to end Roman rule. Valerius decides to attack the barbarians, which he knows will be heavily criticised by the senators in Rome, and puts Marcus in command of the operation. Newly promoted vice-consul Marcus, a former gladiator, and his two faithful friends must go undercover to find the truth and discover the traitors behind this treacherous plot before it's too late.—bcarruthers-76500

Tullius Valerius -- a Proconsul of Rome, circa 310 A.D. -- fears that a provincial governor named Gaius Appius Quintillianus has been secretly working with those Germanic barbarians seeking to end Roman rule. Valerius elevates Marcus, a gladiator turned soldier, to the post of Vice Proconsul with orders to go "undercover" to investigate this situation. Marcus selects two friends, fellow soldier Claudius and pickpocket Volcan, to accompany him into Gaius' territory. In this territory lives Lycia, daughter of Manlius and the beloved of Marcus. Gaius soon learns of Marcus's plans, thanks to the evil Stovius. Gaius kills Manlius and blames the crime on Marcus. Lycia turns against Marcus whom Gaius condemns to be pulled apart by teams of horses. Marcus survives this "Test of Strength" as reinforcements arrive from Rome. Gaius dies in battle, Claudius reunites with his Christian girlfriend, Diana, and an enlightened Lycia welcomes Marcus back with open arms.—dinky-4 of Minneapolis