The central figure in this story is Simon of Cyrene, an African who carried the cross behind Jesus on the way to Calvary. He and his father are the pioneers who open up the African hinterland to the benefit of Cyrene and the other nations around the Mediterranean Sea. The book explores the accomplishments of Africa at the time of the Roman Empire, when Cyrene becomes its third most prosperous colony. The importance of Har Kwain, an iron-age sub-Saharan civilisation that existed in Central Nigeria from 900 BC to 300 AD, bears on the success of Cyrene. The technological advances made by that African nation and others are described. Many aspects of the indigenous culture and customs are explored and woven into this story. Simon is observant, inquisitive and intelligent. His resourcefulness is tested when he solves a murder mystery, thereby establishing the innocence of a Roman scribe. He reveals the identity of the true murderer, who becomes his sworn enemy, pursuing him for the greater part of his life. Simon decides to enter the sea trade. He marries the daughter of a shipping merchant in a wedding ceremony that unites all the cultures of the Cyrenian melting pot: African, Greek and Jewish. Simon's adventures continue in Volume Two of this series: The Voyages of the Iyanda.