Menedemos, the young dashing sea captain, and his helper (and cousin) the scholarly Sostratos, are back in their third adventure.

This time around the two cousins end up in the Sacred Land, Jerusalem, where they encounter a strange religion. This fascinates Sostratos, who wants to learn as much as he can about the strange monotheists living there.

The more worldly Menedemos looks more toward more common pleasures, particularly those involving pretty women (not letting small inconveniences such as their marriages to other men get in the way).

But, as always, trouble follows them. From cargo they can't sell to bandits and thugs waiting to jump them, they must once again use their quick wits to survive and, hopefully, make a profit from their long journey.