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Caroline Dale Snedeker’s A Triumph for Flavius is a beautifully told historical fiction story with a strong moral for upper elementary school readers, blending the storied setting of ancient Rome with interesting Roman and Greek characters. Originally published in 1935, this reprint by Purple House Press is a treasure for students and families.
The story follows ten-year-old Flavius, the son of a Roman general, Lucius Mummius, fresh from a victorious campaign in Corinth. Snedeker masterfully sets the stage for a clash of cultures and values when Mummius presents Ariphron, a captured Greek of noble bearing, to Flavius as his pedagogue. While Ariphron’s despair at his enslavement highlights the brutality of the Roman conquest, his interactions with Flavius provide a nuanced exploration of dignity and the power of compassion.
Flavius begins the story with the casual privilege of a Roman aristocrat, but his relationship with Ariphron stirs in him a moral awakening. When Ariphron, weakened and despondent from his wounds and captivity, finds unexpected kindness in Flavius’s care, the bond between them shifts. Flavius’s innate gentleness and empathy—traits nurtured by his wise mother—help Ariphron reclaim his will to live. When Ariphron discovers that his wife is still alive, the story takes an interesting turn and we see something incredible grow out of it.
Snedeker’s prose is elegant yet accessible, and her vivid descriptions of Roman life immerse readers in the era. The story raises thought-provoking questions about freedom, identity, and the capacity for personal growth, making it an ideal read-aloud or discussion starter for young readers.
Ultimately, I am not sure how consistent this story is with the genuine Roman aristocratic culture of the time, but it does make for a lovely story and opens the door to good conversation.
I was reading this book at the same time that I was finishing up Louis de Wohl’s The Glorious Folly, and I have to say that this kind of story makes it easier to understand the world of moral Romans who ultimately were ready for the Gospel when the apostles came to Rome.
In A Triumph for Flavius, Snedeker invites readers to reflect on timeless themes of dignity, resilience, compassion, fraternity, and the triumph of the human spirit. Purple House Press’s reprint ensures that this gem continues to inspire new generations. Highly recommended for readers who cherish stories rich in history, heart, and moral substance.