Did they know the end was upon them, in those last days? Did they know that they were living in the scant few remaining years of peace left before a civilisation that had lasted beyond all memory finally collapsed, conquered by a foe that was stronger, more vital, less complacent? The only answer that reason affords is that no, they could not have known, though we know now that they must have been warned, if only in the oblique manner of the...