best roman historical fiction books

One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Roman imperial family. The characters are well - developed and the story gives great insights into the political intrigue and power struggles of the time.

For beginners, 'The Thieves of Ostia' by Caroline Lawrence is a great choice. It's a children's book but it gives a really accessible introduction to Roman life. It has engaging characters and simple yet interesting plots that can introduce readers to the basic elements of Roman society like the baths, the forum, etc.

The Legio III Gallica is another interesting one. In fictional works, they can be shown as being part of important military campaigns in the Roman east. They had a long history and were involved in many battles, which makes them a great subject for historical fiction writers to explore their stories, such as their role in the Roman expansion in the eastern regions.

The 10th Legion is often considered one of the best in historical fiction. In novels like 'The Eagle of the Ninth', it is depicted as a very disciplined and effective fighting force. They were known for their loyalty to their commanders and their ability to adapt to different terrains and battle situations.

One great Roman historical fiction is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Roman imperial family, full of political intrigue, power struggles, and complex characters.

Tacitus' 'The Histories' is excellent. It details the events following the death of Nero, giving a clear view of the political turmoil and power struggles in Rome at that time. It's a valuable source for understanding Roman history. Another is Livy's 'History of Rome'. It spans a long period of Roman history, from its founding legends to the early days of the empire. It shows how Rome grew and evolved over time.

One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It vividly depicts the Roman imperial family's intrigues. The characters are well - drawn and the historical details are quite accurate.

I really like 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. While it's not solely focused on war, it has a lot of great details about Roman military campaigns during the early days of the Roman Empire. It also delves deep into the political intrigue which was often intertwined with the military actions. It's a fascinating read that gives you a great sense of the time period and how the military functioned within it.

Well, 'The First Man in Rome' by Colleen McCullough is a top pick. It details the political and military life in Rome during the rise of Julius Caesar. Then there's 'Imperium' by Robert Harris, which while more focused on Cicero, still shows a lot about the Roman military and its influence on the political scene. And of course, 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsey Davis. It features a detective in Rome who often has to deal with the Roman military in the course of his investigations.

One of the great ones is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid and engaging look into the Roman imperial court, filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and complex characters. The story is told from the perspective of Claudius, which gives a unique insider view of the empire.