SARAH SYMONS was born in Ystradgynlais in the Swansea Valley, but grew up in Shrewsbury where she embarked on a secretarial career. After her family moved South she had a varied career in London, working with the BBC, an American Oil Company and GEC. She returned to Ystradgynlais for her retirement and took a keen interest in the Roman era. Her previous books include Fortresses and Treasures of Roman Wales. She now lives in Swansea.