Set in Venice, 1522, this is 'eye-witness history' telling the story of Suleyman's rise to power in the 16th century. Sensitive intelligence arrives from the east confirming the European powers' greatest fear: the vastly rich Ottoman Sultan has amassed all he needs to wage total war - and his sights are set on Rome. With Christendom divided, Suleyman the Magnificent has his hand on their entrails.