I llness is common in the days of the Roman Empire, especially in the provinces. But in 80 CE, Palmyra is suffering worse than most. Phthisis, cholera, fevers, boils, and rashes plague the populace. Many have died, and those who live grow weaker each day. The physicians are powerless to help. They offer salves and potions, but no sooner does a citizen recover from one illness than another strikes. The legionaries have been especially hard-hit. Three cohorts, half of the forces stationed in Palmyra, have succumbed. Eager to keep the city under Roman control, and desperate to keep the emperor from noticing the deteriorating situation, the prefect has sent to Emesa for aid. The citizens believe a kul pollutes the city’s water. The praefectus castrorum suspects that the outbreak was caused by a group of Parthians who passed through recently. The temple priests believe the gods are dissatisfied. The prefect has no theory of his own, and just wants the epidemic stopped. None of them know that something far worse than disease plagues Palmyra