It is the 3rd century BC, and as the Roman imperial army travels north followed by a caravan of families, slaves, and livestock, two kids meet at an encampment near Cologne, in today"s Germany. Martilla, a young Roman slave girl, and Marbord, the son of a merchant from Scandia, strike an unlikely friendship. As they learn about each other"s customs, lifestyles, and lands they discover that calling someone a "barbarian" is strictly a matter of ignorance. This timely lesson in tolerance--set centuries ago in Europe--shows children how people of different cultures can overcome stereotypes to become friends. The book"s quaint illustrations show children the daily life of early Europeans, and a section on the history of Roman and Scandian slavery offers age-appropriate insights on the subject. Also included is a glossary of Germanic and Roman terms and proper names.