Rome is the center of the Roman Empire and the wealthiest city in the world. Reliant on slave labor, the population -- bored, restless and increasingly violent -- is kept in line with free food, chariot racing and gladiator fights. This tale delves into the world of the games, characterized by bloodlust, greed, the pursuit of power and corruption. The races at Circus Maximus are controlled by four Patrician-owned corporations, the Blue, Red, White and Green factions. Shares in the four factions are the most valuable things in Rome. As the taste in entertainment of the populace becomes more jaded and bloodthirsty, the Colosseum is built specifically for gladiatorial combat. The scale of the stadium as well as the gladiatorial and animal combats is enormous, as is the underbelly and its flourishing betting business. Underground, beneath the stands, thousands of people work and live -- among them many who will die for the games.