Hail Caesar! Fiction Set in Ancient Rome
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Behind my contemporary exterior - the one that loves clean lines and simplicity, that revels in new technology, that can't live without a modern bathroom - beats a heart passionate about ancient Rome. From the birth of the republic to the demise of the empire, I find everything about it just endlessly fascinating. In particular, the political machinations from about 200 B.C. on.
While I did go back to class at one point to study Roman history, much of what I have learned has been gleaned from the treasure trove of fiction set in various times and places within the Roman empire. Not the most perfect way to learn but certainly one of the most fun.
What follows here is a collection of recommendations for you should you want to travel back in time for some entertainment. These are books I've actually read, so I'll continue to add as I discover new books and authors. Enjoy!!
While Rome started as a monarchy, it's revered through history as a republic, quite the rarity during the B.C. age. For me, it's a time of raucous rabble-rousing from the Gracchi brothers, fights between aristocrats and plebs and expansion on all fronts. I'll include books here that take us up to the time when Caesar moves into power, unless they're specifically about him.
(Hmm. I seem to be light on this period. Need to read more!)
Imperium by Robert Harris
The life of Cicero
Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome
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I just finished reading this and enjoyed at least the middle. Actually, it was interesting to read more about Cicero as he's often a side character in other stories. He's portrayed much more sympathetically (obviously) in this book than in ones focused on Caesar. I wouldn't recommend this as a first dive into Rome, though.
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Great (and ignominious) debates happened in the Senate. Not much changes, does it?
This is actually a period of revolution for Rome, one that didn't necessarily start with Caesar, but which he took advantage of. By the time the "patriots" and artistocrats brought him down in 44 B.C., it was too late for the beloved republic. Octavian (Caesar Augustus) finished off what Caesar had started and the empire was born.
Caesar has been a fascinating figure throughout history and so I've given him his own section as a bridge between the republic and the empire. Included here are books where he is the focus of the story.
Masters of Rome
The First Man In Rome
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Can you imagine attending the spectacles in the Coliseum?
What is Your Favorite Period to Read About?
After Caesar's death, there were struggles for power and attempts to return Rome to a republic. Emerging from the chaos was Octavian, later known as Caesar Augustus. He strong-armed the city from a triumvarate to single emperor and so was born the Roman Empire.
(Again, I'm light on books here. I'll work on it!!)
Under the Eagle by Simon Scarrow
Under the Eagle: A Tale of Military Adventure and Reckless Heroism with the Roman Legions
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Throne of Isis by Judith Tarr
Looking at Rome through Cleopatra's eyes
Throne of Isis
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Pompeii by Robert Harris
Pompeii: A Novel
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By far my life-long favorite type of book, mysteries set in ancient Rome are far from the CSI type crime scenes you see today. That's part of the fascination, I think. To solve any crime without any of the science we use today seems downright impossible. And yet, these clever men manage to do it. (Need to find me some clever women!)
Gordianus the Finder by Steven Saylor
Roman Blood: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Novels of Ancient Rome)
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Roman Whodunits
The Mammoth Book of Roman Whodunnits
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Marcus Didius Falco by Lindsey Davis
Silver Pigs: A Detective Novel in Ancient Rome
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Libertus by Rosemary Rowe
I started in the tail end of the series with this book and need to get back to the beginning. But enjoyable and a slightly different take thanks to the setting.
A Coin for the Ferryman (Libertus Mystery Series)
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The marketplace bustled with visitors the world over wanting to trade with Rome.
Other Resources
- Fictional Rome
- Hands down the best resource out there. You can look for a book by the period it covers, main character or genre.
What's On Your Book Shelf?
Share my fascination with Rome? Think I need to get with the times? Let's hear from you!
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may
Apr 26, 2011 @ 1:37 pm | delete
- there a lot of information omg! i hate reading
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WEverdell@earthlink.net
Mar 20, 2011 @ 3:52 pm | delete
- I loved to read books by the Romans themselves, even the Roman citizens who wrote in Greek, like Polybius and Plutarch. For a start, try Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, chapter on Caesar, then Plutarch's Life of Brutus (which Shakespeare used for his Julius Caesar).
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LabKitty
Nov 9, 2010 @ 3:13 pm | delete
- And on a lighter note, we lensrolled you to our Spartacus vs Rome lens. Cheers!
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LabKitty
Oct 2, 2010 @ 5:08 pm | delete
- How about the HBO miniseries? Is that cheating? That's cheating, isn't it?
And because it just doesn't get said enough: BRUTUS DIDN'T BETRAY CAESAR, BRUTUS WAS DEFENDING THE REPUBLIC.
Stupid Shakespeare.
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Psychic_Sild
Jun 25, 2009 @ 8:59 am | delete
- Conn Iggulden's Emperor series is the forerunner in my opinion. Like you I am fascinated by all that is Roman, the fact that so much that was good was overshadowed by the very mistakes we make today. Good lens
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