It is the year 270 AD. A succession of inept emperors and power-hungry usurpers has brought the Roman Empire to a global economic crisis. The empire has never known such decline. Taking advantage of Rome's weakness, tribes of barbarians — like a black swarm of locusts — have gathered on its borders, ready to plunder the rich lands of the civilized world.

In the east the Sassanids have begun a great conquest, the main aim of which is the capture of Rome's possessions. Only the steadfastness of Palmyra's defenders holds back their onslaught. Queen Zenobia stands resolute — but how long will she hold out? The once-invincible legions are forced to defend themselves: their forces are dwindling. Alas, the times are now against the Romans. Yet hope still remains. Aurelian is ready to take the reins of the empire into his own hands, but the task before him seems impossible...

Will you succeed in uniting the fractured empire and restoring Rome's former glory? Or will you witness its final fall?