11 Book Series set in Ancient Rome

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (Affiliates Disclosure). Thanks!

Spanning over a millennium, the Roman Empire’s saga is a fascinating blend of military might, political machinations, cultural achievements, and inevitable decline. No surprise these Historical times inspired writers to tell stories of all kinds.

The following list of book series offers a diverse range of perspectives on Ancient Rome, exploring various aspects of its history, politics, and culture. Stories that explore the corridors of power, ignite the intrigues of the Senate, and take us on a march alongside the legions, tributes to the glory and grandeur of the Roman Empire, and its downfall.

John Maddox Roberts spqr Books in Order

  1. The SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts – Narrated through the lens of Senator Decius Caecilius Metellus, a relentless investigator with a mission to unveil the pervasive corruption within the upper echelons of the Roman Republic government, these stories delve into conspiracies and murder mysteries unfolding between 70 BC and 20 BC.
  2. The Empire Series by Anthony Riches – The series follows the adventures of Marcus Valerius Aquila, a Roman legionary who rises through the ranks as he navigates the complex and often treacherous world of military and political intrigue.
  3. The Marcus Didius Falco series by Lindsey Davis – Marcus Didius Falco engages in crime-solving within the Roman Empire under the rule of Vespasian. He operates as a private investigator, informer, or imperial agent — multifaceted roles that immerse him in the intricacies of Rome’s expansive empire during the initial century. Notably, in addition to his investigative pursuits, Falco also nurtures a passion for amateur poetry. There’s also the spin-off series about the character Flavia Albia.
  4. The Eagles of the Empire series by Simon Scarrow – A Roman military saga following Quintus Licinius Cato and Lucius Cornelius Macro who are both bearing the mantle of Roman soldiers. Cato, hailing from a background as a slave in the Imperial Palace, embarks on a journey by joining the Eagles at the series’ outset. On the other hand, Macro is a seasoned veteran, accumulating nearly 15 years of dedicated service within the ranks of the Roman Army.
  5. The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris – This short series portrays the life and political career of the Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero during the late Roman Republic. The story begins with his rise as he becomes a prominent lawyer in the Roman legal system.
The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris
  1. The Empress of Rome Series by Kate Quinn – This saga first takes us to the heart of first-century Rome. The destiny of an empire hangs in the balance, guided by the hands of a single young woman. As the series progresses and the protagonists change, the women of the Empire make their marks on History.
  2. The Emperor series by Conn Iggulden – This series narrates the life and exploits of Gaius Julius Caesar, one of the most iconic figures in Roman history. The series provides a captivating portrayal of Caesar’s rise to power, his military campaigns, and the complex political landscape of the late Roman Republic. 
  3. The Twilight of Empire series by Ian Ross – Set during the later years of the Roman Empire, specifically in the 4th century AD, the story provides a gripping portrayal of the political and military challenges faced by the Roman Empire during a period marked by internal strife, external threats, and the decline of the Western Roman Empire. The central character, Aurelius Castus, is a Roman officer who becomes entangled in the complex events of his time.
  4. The Warrior of Rome series by Harry Sidebottom – Set during the 3rd century AD, the series follows Ballista, a Roman general of barbarian origin, as he navigates the complex and chaotic political and military landscape of the time.
  5. The Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough – A historical series that spans several decades, covering the later years of the Roman Republic from the time of the Social War (91–88 BC) to the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus. The story begins by focusing on Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, depicting their rise to power and their roles in the changing political landscape.
  6. The Roma Sub Rosa series by Steven Saylor – This historical mystery series follows Gordianus the Finder, a private investigator who operates in the heart of Rome. Each novel in the series typically involves Gordianus investigating a murder or mystery while interacting with historical figures and events.

With more than a thousand articles published on HowToRead.Me, it is clear that navigating through the different reading orders is becoming a bit arduous. To try to help, why not try to sort the series by genre (or sub-genres)? This will take some time, but if you want to ask for a particular list, leave a comment.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *