best roman books novels

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.

I would recommend 'The Satyricon' by Petronius. It gives a vivid picture of Roman life, with its mix of different social classes, their behaviors, and the general atmosphere of the time. It's a bit racy in parts but still very informative and engaging as a work of literature. Also, 'Letters from a Stoic' by Seneca can be considered. Although it's more of a philosophical work, it's written in an accessible way and shows the Roman mindset in terms of dealing with life's challenges from a Stoic perspective.

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.

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.

Another great Roman novel is 'Metamorphoses' by Ovid. This work is a collection of various myths and legends. It showcases how different characters transform, both physically and in their circumstances. It gives an in - depth look into the Roman view of the world and the supernatural.

One great piece of Roman Legion fiction is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It follows a Roman centurion's journey in Britain. Another is 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ' which has elements related to Roman legions. Also, 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves gives a vivid look into the Roman world with the legions playing a significant role.

A good one is 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsey Davis. It's set in Rome and has elements of mystery as well as Roman military life. The main character gets involved in various military - related situations, and it gives a good feel for the era.