Beautiful and musical Judaean slave Thea attempts to survive and prosper in first century Rome despite a spiteful mistress, a broken love affair with a gladiator, and, most dangerous of all, an interested Emperor. A slave girl from Judaea, Thea is purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia. When Thea captures the attention of Arius, Rome's most savage gladiator, his love brings Thea the first happiness of her life. Their affair ends...