Samos

Samos
Xisco Bonilla

Historical novel that narrates the experiences of a Greek fishing family during the first Punic War

Almices Theopoulos, a young fisherman, lives with his family on Samos, an island in the Greek Dodecanese. The casual rescue of some castaways causes tragedy in his family. The year 264 BC, after Alexander the Great, Carthage and Rome are the new superpowers of the time, whose conflicting interests lead to the first Punic War. In an exciting drama the characters will be immersed in the warlike conflict that surrounds them, fighting against masters, crises, diseases and setbacks of destiny. A story about daily life of the pre-Roman era in the Mediterranean, from the Greek islands to Tyre, Alexandria or Carthage. A novel that combines the evolution of the main characters with historical facts, the result of a deep investigation that is presented to the reader in a time as unknown as it is fascinating: the Mediterranean of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, Romans and pirates, slaves and freedmen; of the individual who then had no value as a human being and yet how great he would become.

SAMOS

Toward freedom

Xisco Bonilla

Samos

First Edition in English, 2021

© Francisco Bonilla Garriga

Translator for the English version: Megan Elliott

First Edition in Spanish, 2017

Mundopalabras - Spain

© Francisco Bonilla Garriga

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The total or partial reproduction of this book, nor its incorporation into a computer system, nor its transmission in any form or by any means, be it electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording or other methods, without prior permission and in writing of its author. The infringement of the aforementioned rights may constitute a crime against intellectual property (Article 270 and following of the Spanish Penal Code).

To my wife, Marina, the best companion and friend with whom to enjoy this rich journey that life is, and to my daughters, Ana and Marta, who with their unconditional support have made this book possible.

Xisco Bonilla Garriga

SAMOS

Toward freedom

Index

I (#ulink_e67b0a5c-e471-517b-8400-66bdd3d2176c)

II (#ulink_07325bdd-9422-58b3-ac44-4648d367b226)

III (#ulink_8a4df09e-f55f-518d-9281-f0798ece9c5f)

IV (#ulink_71fbbd10-1b36-5fc0-b422-6932084fef4f)

V (#ulink_a164759b-0d0c-5409-84f3-a0a901b48b4c)

VI (#ulink_7452264c-0c2c-508e-a81a-f90b68182f28)

VII (#ulink_c07fc5ab-9ba3-5482-b048-d836d58cfed0)

VIII (#ulink_e9aa83d5-0417-53b6-aa75-b6b012b2203e)

IX (#ulink_7d72e7ea-1f06-50aa-91e7-f13563e2279d)

X (#ulink_f0c31dd8-bc40-5037-9e1b-b47b4a9b5d8b)

XI (#ulink_a359d956-bb05-5ff8-8080-58f414757ce9)

XII (#ulink_4cd429ca-f97c-534a-9ac1-cc8db0e89384)

XIII (#ulink_756e7731-f3d2-5477-9a56-d5ce412adb27)

XIV (#ulink_ebdefed7-f353-51a8-ad4e-d1d0cb04e615)

XV (#ulink_4758f7d2-5a3e-5825-80be-d9cec4f958c0)

XVI (#ulink_8642da4f-9f46-5fd1-b06c-873e6a779dde)

XVII (#ulink_8aea266c-54ae-5f54-93f6-761f6bdfa360)

GLOSSARY (#ulink_9eaa8cb2-8122-5b35-89b2-99c14b0252d8)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE (#ulink_08cc72a8-c4f3-55e5-b485-f520a10ffb62)

I

“Wake up!” Magon heard amid an anarchy of cries and sounds that kicked him out of his deep sleep. "Wake up at once!" He recognized the distressing voice of his partner and opened his eyes.

“What's the matter? What's with all the fuss?” he asked as he rubbed his eyes.

“The Romans! They’ve found us and are almost here”.

Magon, confused, looked sleepily at his companion, like he did not understand what was just said. And then, squinting, he saw the hustle and bustle around him. The cellar of the ship was a man's coming and going. He started to help, but a strong jolt threw him to the ground.

He did not know how long he was there, perhaps only briefly, but he stayed lying on the ground, covered in salt water, urine, and faeces from the bilge. He touched his sore head and opened his eyes again. Everything was dark and the murmur of the water revealed a huge gap in the ship’s hull. He uselessly sought out light from the lamps and instantly realised they would already be waterlogged. He looked up in search of the opening through which the cover was accessed. He focused his attention to searching for the access to the roof. The same voice that had awakened him called him again.

“Are you there, Magon?”

“Here, Ascipo!” He stretched his hand out in the direction of the voice until he found his partner's arm. “We’ve been attacked, we have to go on deck.”