The Main Characters were colorful personalities.
Each was highly capable in their own way.
Some were best friends. Others were arch enemies.
They wove a complex web of political and personal intrigue as they vied to achieve their ends.
Everything about this story is heightened by the fact that it is the most critical and pivotal time in the history of ancient Rome i.e., when Rome changed from a Republic to an Empire.
The personal strengths and weaknesses of the main characters come to the fore in the heat of the battles, both military and political.
How each of them, with their individual weaknesses and strengths, handle their successes and setbacks along the way is an interesting study of human nature.