best ancient historical fiction

One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. The characters are well - drawn, and the political intrigue is fascinating.

One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It vividly depicts the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. Another great one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines a medieval monastery setting with mystery and historical details. Also, 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is excellent. It shows life in 12th - century England during the building of a cathedral.

Well, 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield is a top choice for ancient historical fiction. It focuses on the Battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece and the Spartans' heroic stand. Then there's 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. While it mainly focuses on the building of a cathedral, it gives a great sense of medieval England. And 'Memoirs of Hadrian' by Marguerite Yourcenar is a beautifully written account of Hadrian's life in the Roman Empire.

You can start by asking for recommendations from librarians. They are very knowledgeable and can point you to some great titles. Also, look at online book review platforms like Goodreads. There, you can see what other readers have rated highly in the ancient historical fiction genre.

Then there's 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield. This novel is about the Battle of Thermopylae. It vividly shows the Spartan warriors and their values. The battle scenes are intense, and it also delves into the politics and culture of ancient Greece.

One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.

One of the best historical fiction audiobooks is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. The narration really brings the story set during World War II to life. Another great one is 'The Nightingale' also about World War II, which has a captivating plot and excellent character development. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a classic in historical fiction, and the audiobook version allows you to fully immerse in the medieval world he creates.

'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.

One of the best historical fictions is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the struggle and changes of that era.

Some of the best in historical fiction include 'All the Light We Cannot See'. It tells a beautiful and poignant story set during World War II. Then there's 'The Pillars of the Earth' which gives an in - depth view of building a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a classic, Dickens' portrayal of the French Revolution is both engaging and thought - provoking.