Beyond The Desert Gate by Mary Ray

Palestine in the first century A.D. is as disturbed and divided as it is today. The Jews have revolted against Roman occupation and as they grow more restive, Rome clamps down harder. The Greek (called Decapolis) cities of eastern Palestine want only to continue their peaceful trading existence, but they find themselves caught in the middle. Philo Philedelphia, is growing up as a young student, who is the youngest son of Apollodorus, a merchant. Together with his brothers Conan and Nicanor, events of the time are going to challenge them to survive not only the challenges of the ancient world but also the growing conflict between Rome and the Jews. A serious story of an important time in history. Ages 14 and up.