A planet whose history parallels Earth's but whose Roman Empire survived into an age of automobiles and television.
892-IV is the fourth planet of star system 892, an Earth-like world whose history has followed Earth's closely but where the Roman Empire never fell. By the time of Bread and Circuses, it has reached a twentieth-century level of technology, with gladiatorial games broadcast on television.
The Enterprise investigates the disappearance of the SS Beagle and finds that its captain, R. M. Merik, has joined the planet's Roman society. Kirk's party is captured while the sun worshippers, followers of the Son, offer a hint of change.