Marius is a young Roman who resides on Whitenights, a family estate in northern Italy, where he grows up surrounded by the serene simplicity of pagan rituals and pastoral life. With his grandfather having squandered much of the family's wealth, Marius and his kin lead an uncomplicated existence focused on worship and estate management. His life is steeped in contemplation, with a strong inclination towards idealism and a deep, almost morbid religiosity.

Early Life and Influences

In his teenage years, Marius visits the temple of Aesculapius nestled in the Etrurian hills, seeking a cure for a childhood ailment. The tranquil setting and the insights from Galen, the renowned Roman physician, impart a fresh perspective on life to him. Upon returning, he faces his mother's declining health, and her subsequent death propels him into skepticism, prompting Marius to question the very fabric of existence.

Education and Friendship

Following these events, Marius is sent to Pisa by his relatives to attend school, where he nurtures the aspiration of becoming a poet within the intellectual tradition. His ambition is further fueled by his friendship with Flavian, an older schoolmate who wields significant influence over Marius. Together, they delve into literature and philosophy, finding particular delight in the elaborate style of Apuleius’s Metamorphoses.

The Turn to Philosophy

Their literary pursuits, however, are abruptly curtailed when Flavian falls ill and succumbs to a plague brought by Marcus Aurelius’s returning soldiers. Stricken by grief, Marius turns towards mysticism in search of solace but ultimately shifts his focus to the early Greek philosophers for answers to his existential dilemmas. Heraclitus's teachings, advising moderation in the quest for knowledge, and Aristippus’s Cyrenaic philosophy, which emphasizes sensory experiences as the path to wisdom, captivate Marius.

Embracing Epicureanism

Marius finds the practical ethics of Epicureanism appealing, adopting a worldview that prioritizes life itself as the primary purpose. This philosophy, an "antimetaphysical metaphysic," aims to uncover the essence of the present moment through cultural knowledge. Despite misconceptions of hedonism, Marius’s pursuit is far from indulgent, his background steering him away from a life of mere pleasure. As he explores these ideas, Marius transitions from poetry to prose, feeling it more aligned with his intellectual and personal explorations.

Questions of Emotional Life

As Marius's Epicurean beliefs solidify, he starts to regret the emotional detachment that seems to pervade his life. He ponders his inclination towards intellectual pursuits over emotional engagements and feels no urgency to seek romantic relationships, questioning whether love is even a component of his identity. It is at this introspective juncture that he receives a summons to Rome.

Life in Rome

Marius is called to Rome to serve as the secretary and editor for Emperor Marcus Aurelius, tasked with organizing the emperor’s memoirs and philosophical reflections. On his journey to the capital, he meets Cornelius, a young officer returning from northern Europe, who helps him settle into Roman life. Thanks to family ties and the emperor’s patronage, Marius finds himself immersed in the vibrant cultural and intellectual life of the city.

Encounters with Christianity

Despite his enriching experiences in Rome, Marius senses something amiss, especially when comparing his own contentment with that of Cornelius. The mystery deepens when Cornelius introduces him to a Christian household, where Marius begins to grasp the essence of the new faith spreading across the empire. He discovers a peculiar joy in attending Christian gatherings and develops a fascination with Cecilia, the household's matron.

A Test of Faith

During a trip away from Rome with Cornelius, they encounter an earthquake in a small town. In the aftermath, Marius witnesses Cornelius joining Christians in thanksgiving,...