The Advocate by Randy Singer (historical fiction 2014)

This book from a legal thriller writer takes us to the time of the early empire.  I always love it when a writer describes the city of Rome - here trials in the Basilica Julia are particularly evocative.  The advocate in question is a student of Seneca, and Caligula is in the classroom with him.  While the protagonist meets Jesus and becomes a Christian, the author isn't biased and criticizes the Jews, Christians and Romans.  I enjoyed the mix of gladiator action, courtroom thriller, and love story.