Ludicrus' uncle dies and leaves him 10,000 drachma. The only snag is that the money will only be paid to Ludicrus if he has a son named after his uncle.

Lurcio is looking after the house while the family are away. He agrees to hide two escaped slaves. Then various members of the family return home unexpectedly.

The secret plans for a new catapult have been stolen. Lurcio becomes involved in attempts to recover the stolen plans and meets the famous secret agent, James Bondus.

Lurcio becomes involved in attempts to prevent Pompeii from going to war with the Barbarians. One of his anti-war activities involves trying to persuade the women of Pompeii to deny conjugal rights if their husbands get involved in the war.

Nausius is in love with a beautiful young girl named Nymphia. He wants to marry her, but his parents aren't sure that this is a good idea.

Ludicrus loses his seat on the Senate. He decides to sell up and move his family to Rome. Lurcio is up for sale to the highest bidder. He's worried about the kind of master or mistress he'll have next.

Ammonia Sextus is planning an orgy and gives Lurcio the job of keeping her husband Ludicrus out of the way. Lurcio is sent off to the apothecary's shop to buy a sleeping draught for Ludicrus. At the shop, Lurcio bumps into Nausius, who's buying a love potion. Unfortunately the two potions get mixed up.

Lurcio has gained his freedom and is now running a wine bar in Pompeii. He finds himself being blackmailed by Brutus, who gets him to drug a gladiator's wine in order to make him lose his next fight. Unfortunately things don't go to plan and Lurcio finds himself in the arena.