The Silver Branch (Sutcliff novel) facts for kids
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| Author | Rosemary Sutcliff |
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| Illustrator | Charles Keeping |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's, Historical novel |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
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Publication date
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December 1957 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 223 |
| ISBN | 0-374-46648-3 |
| OCLC | 27934892 |
| LC Class | PZ7.S966 Shl 1993 |
| Preceded by | The Eagle of the Ninth |
| Followed by | The Lantern Bearers |
The Silver Branch is an exciting historical adventure book for young readers. It was written by Rosemary Sutcliff and came out in 1957. The story takes place in Britain around the late 200s AD, during the time of the Roman Empire.
The book follows two cousins, Justin and Flavius, who are part of the Roman legions. They get caught up in a big power struggle. This struggle involves Carausius, who declared himself emperor in Britain, Allectus, Carausius's money manager, and Constantius, a powerful Roman emperor.
The "silver branch" in the title is a special item. It belongs to Carausius's slave, Cullen, who acts like a funny fool. He even calls himself Carausius's "hound." This silver branch is hinted at in other books by Rosemary Sutcliff. It might refer to a magical musical instrument from old Irish stories. In ancient Celtic times, a silver branch (like a sprig of mistletoe or an apple branch) was also a symbol of power or a temporary pass.
The Silver Branch is the second book in Sutcliff's Roman Britain Series. It comes after The Eagle of the Ninth (1954) and before Frontier Wolf (1980), The Lantern Bearers (1959), and Sword at Sunset (1963).
What's the Story About?
The story is set in Roman Britain in the 200s AD. At this time, a military leader named Marcus Aurelius Carausius decided to rebel against Rome. He made himself the emperor of Britain and part of Gaul (modern-day France). After winning many battles at sea, the Roman ruler Maximian temporarily recognized him.
Justin (Tiberius Lucius Justinianus) is a shy young army doctor. He has just finished his training and is sent to Britain for the first time. His family has a long history with the island. When he arrives at Rutupiae, he meets a young centurion (a Roman army officer) named Flavius (Marcelus Flavius Aquila). They soon discover they are distant cousins and become very good friends.
One day, Justin and Flavius overhear a secret plan against Carausius. His finance minister, Allectus, is plotting against him. The cousins try to warn Carausius. But because they are seen as disloyal, they are sent away in disgrace. They are posted to Magnis on the Northern Wall.
Allectus, as the treasurer, was very important in Carausius's government. He controlled the making of coins. Carausius used these coins to gain more power and spread his message. With Allectus's help, Carausius even made the first good silver coins seen in the Roman Empire for many years. This made him look more successful than other emperors like Diocletian and Maximian.
By chance, Justin and Flavius meet Evicatos of the Spear. He is a hunter from a group called the Dál Riata who is living in exile. Evicatos convinces them that the danger to Carausius is real. The cousins try to rush back to warn Carausius, but it is too late.
Now, Justin and Flavius face being punished for leaving their post. They go into hiding with the help of a rebel leader. When this leader is betrayed, the two young men must take over. They continue his work of protecting and helping people who are unhappy with Allectus's rule or in danger from his harsh laws.
Finally, the Roman Emperor Constantius and his helper, Asclepiodotus, sail to Britain. They want to end Allectus's bad rule. Flavius and Justin gather a small, mixed group of people ready to fight. Their group looks quite shabby, and others make fun of them.
While hiding at their Great Aunt Honoria's house in Calleva, they make an amazing discovery. They find a lost eagle standard, which was buried by their ancestor, Aquila. Finding this standard means they can now call themselves a true Roman legion. Even though they don't look like a proper army, this new 'legion' helps the main Roman force find their way. They also protect the people of Calleva from the fighting. Because of their brave help, Constantius forgives the cousins and praises them for their efforts.
The ideas of the lost eagle standard and a special dolphin ring appear again in this book.
Real History Behind the Book
The book's story is based on real events from the 200s AD. It tells about the Carausian Revolt, when Carausius rebelled against Rome. It also covers the life and death of Carausius and how the traitor Allectus was defeated.
