One great fictional book about ancient Rome is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Roman imperial family, filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and complex characters. It's like a window into the world of ancient Rome's elite.
You might also like 'Pompeii' by Robert Harris. It tells the story of the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The author does a great job of painting a picture of Roman society in Pompeii at that time, with all its opulence and hidden tensions.
The 'Masters of Rome' series by Colleen McCullough is quite good. It's a multi - volume work that delves deep into the political and social fabric of ancient Rome. It shows how different leaders rose to power and the machinations involved.
Another great one is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It tells a story set in Roman - occupied Britain, following a young Roman officer on a quest. This book beautifully combines historical details of Rome's military presence with a thrilling adventure plot. The descriptions of Roman military life and the cultural clash between the Romans and the native Britons are really interesting.
The 'Marcus Didius Falco' series by Lindsey Davis is also excellent. These detective stories are set in ancient Rome, and through the eyes of Falco, a private informer, you get to see different aspects of Roman society, from the seedy underbelly to the upper echelons of power. The stories are well - researched and engaging.
One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of Roman imperial family life, filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and complex characters. The story is told from the perspective of Claudius, who has a unique view of the events in the Roman court.
Another great one is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It tells a story of a Roman legionnaire's adventures in Roman Britain, full of action and historical details. It combines elements of mystery, adventure and historical facts to create an engaging read.
The 'Roman Mysteries' series for younger readers by Caroline Lawrence is quite well - known. It follows the adventures of four children in ancient Rome. It's a great way to introduce younger audiences to the world of Rome through fictional stories that are also educational, covering topics like Roman culture, daily life, and mythology.
Well, 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsey Davis is a good one. It features a detective in Ancient Rome, and through his investigations, we get to see different aspects of Roman life, from the slums to the palaces.
Definitely 'I, Claudius'. It has been very popular for a long time. It gives readers an inside view of the Roman imperial family, full of drama, backstabbing, and power plays.