One characteristic is the focus on the Roman legal system. Ancient Roman crime fiction often shows how the laws were applied or misapplied. For example, in Cicero's works related to legal cases, we can see the complex procedures and the role of orators in the courtroom.
One well - known ancient Roman crime fiction work is 'The Satyricon' by Petronius. It contains elements of crime and debauchery within the Roman society of that time.
The 'Marcus Didius Falco' series by Lindsey Davis is also highly recommended. These books feature a private investigator in ancient Rome. The stories are full of intrigue, from political plots to personal vendettas, all set against the backdrop of Roman society. They really bring the ancient Roman world to life with vivid descriptions of the city, its people, and their customs.
One characteristic is their exploration of the unknown. In ancient Roman science fiction novels, like 'A True Story', they would describe far - off places such as the moon. Another is the use of the genre to make social and literary critiques. These novels were not just about the science - fiction elements but also about the society in which they were written. They also sometimes borrowed from Greek mythology and added their own Roman spin to it, creating a unique blend of the familiar and the extraordinary.
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.
One of the notable ancient Roman science fiction novels is 'A True Story' by Lucian of Samosata. It features a journey to the moon and other outlandish adventures, full of Lucian's satirical take on various aspects of society and the literary conventions of his time.
Another great example is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It tells the story of a Roman legion and their adventures in Britain, with a focus on loyalty and the search for a lost Roman standard. It gives a great sense of what life was like for Roman soldiers on the frontier.
They are sometimes shown as having a complex hierarchy. There are centurions, tribunes, and ordinary legionaries, each with their own roles and relationships. This is often explored in historical fiction, like how the centurions maintain discipline among the legionaries. In some stories, the power struggles between different ranks within the legion are also depicted.
Steven Saylor's 'Roma Sub Rosa' series, starting with 'Roman Blood', is also well - liked. These books are known for their historical accuracy and engaging mystery plots. They often involve real - life historical figures and events, making them both educational and entertaining.
Colleen McCullough is also famous. Her 'Masters of Rome' series delves deep into the politics and power dynamics of ancient Rome. She spent years researching and was able to create a very immersive world for readers to explore.