City of the Golden House — Madeleine Polland

Brought to Rome from the British campaign by a kindly Roman officer, young Gretorix is made body slave to Diomed, the crippled son of a Roman senator. Both captives in their own way, the two boys become fast friends, and when Diomed hears of the man called Simon Peter, who heals the sick, he sends Gretorix to learn more about the new religion. Woven into this moving story of friendship and faith is the account of St. Peter's last days in Rome. This is a beautifully told tale of the early Christian movement, set against the flamboyant era of Nero's decadent reign. Originally published in 1963.