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Historical Novels: Ancient HistoryGreece, Rome, the British Isles, Egypt and the Middle East
For news on the latest additions to this site, see the blog. Novels of ancient history for young people are listed on the YA Ancient History page. Jump to: Ancient Greece Ancient Greece
The history of Ancient Greece stretches into prehistory, as myths and legends hint at what may have happened before the time of written history. After Hermann Schliemann unearthed magnificent gold artifacts in the 1870s at the Turkish site that he believed to be the location of ancient Troy, based on evidence in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, scholars gained new respect for the value of Homer's grasp of history. Modern archaeologists, excavating deeper, have found a series of cities built on top of each other, including a walled city which appears to have been destroyed by war, whose date corresponds to that of ancient Troy. Ancient Crete, destroyed around 1400 B.C., is another civilization we have come to know from both legend and archaeology. The strange tale of the Minotaur, half-man, half-bull, seemed mere fantasy until the the bull-dancers painted on the walls of the Palace at Knossos suggested the vein of truth behind the legend. History came into being with accounts like those of the Greek historians Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon, who wrote about the war with Persia and Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens in the fifth century B.C.. Their accounts, laced with vivid anecdotes about Persian and Greek leaders, have inspired many historical novels. Alexander the Great, the fourth century Macedonian warrior-king who conquered most of the world known to the Greeks of his day, is still recalled in the Middle East and beyond with tales praising him as an ancestor or reviling him as a devil. Historians from the first century B.C. to the second century A.D., who had access to sources now lost, provide the historical basis for a variety of superb novels. The 36 Best Historical Novels for a Survey of Ancient Greek History, selected by David Maclaine
Gertrude Atherton, The Immortal Marriage (1927), about Aspasia and her relationship with Pericles in ancient Athens. Gertrude Atherton, The Jealous Gods (1928), about Alcibiades of Athens. Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad (2005), a literary novel about the experiences of Odysseus' wife, Penelope, while he was away fighting the Trojan War and voyaging home. Alessandro Baricco, An Iliad (2004), a retelling of the Iliad which focuses on the human characters and leaves out the appearances of the gods and goddesses. Pat Barker, The Silence of the Girls (2018), about the fall of Troy from the perspective of Briseis, once a queen, now an enslaved captive of Achilles in the Greek army camp. Henry Bauchau, Oedipus on the Road (1990 in the original French; first English edition 1997), about Oedipus during his years of wandering, the period Sophocles left out of his plays. Katharine Beutner, Alcestis (2010), a literary novel based on the myth of Alcestis, who agreed to die in place of her husband. Review or Author Interview Charles Rowan Beye, Odysseus: A Life (2004), a fictional "biography" of this legendary survivor of the Trojan War. Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Firebrand (1987), a feminist perspective of the Trojan War seen through the eyes of a Kassandra raised by Amazons. Gillian Bradshaw, The Beacon at Alexandria (1986), about a fourth century Greek woman who disguises herself as a eunuch in order to study medicine in Alexandria. Gillian Bradshaw, The Sand-Reckoner (2000), about Archimedes of Syracuse. Review Gillian Bradshaw, The Sun's Bride (2008), about the helmsman of a third-century Rhodian ship whose mission is to hunt and destroy pirates. Review B.A. Brock, King of the Storm (2016), historical fantasy set in an alternative ancient Greece about a man prophesied to become a demigod hero and king; #1 in the planned Godhead Epoch series. Bryher, Gate to the Sea (1958), about a priestess in a community of enslaved Greeks in Poseidonia and her efforts to help her people escape; Bryher was the name adopted by author Annie Winnifred Ellerman. Review Grant Buday, Dragonflies (2008), about Odysseus and his scheme to end the Trojan War with a Greek victory by building a gigantic, hollow, wooden horse. M.N.J. Butler, The Fox (1995), about a Spartan prince during the long war between Athens and Sparta. Review Moyra Caldecott, The Lily and the Bull (1979), about life in ancient Crete; self-published. Taylor Caldwell, Glory and the Lightning (1974), about the courtesan Aspasia and Pericles of Athens.
Christian Cameron, Storm of Arrows (2009), about an Athenian in love with a Scythian warrior-princess, who leads his band of mercenary soldiers against Alexander's army; #2 in the Tyrant series. Review Christian Cameron, Funeral Games (2010), about the brother-sister twins, heirs to a rich Black Sea kingdom, who become fugitives after their mother is killed and must journey west to take shelter with their father's old friend Diodorus, himself in the midst of a violent struggle for power after the death of Alexander the Great; #3 in the Tyrant series. Review Christian Cameron, King of the Bosporus (2011), about twin brothers who set out to win vengeance against the man who stole the kingdom that is rightfully theirs; #4 in the Tyrant series. Review Christian Cameron, Destroyer of Cities (2013), about a king and his sister who are allies of Rhodes as Alexander's successor Demetrius begins a campaign to conquer Rhodes in 306 B.C.; #5 in the Tyrant series. Review Christian Cameron, Force of Kings (2014), about twin rulers who after Alexander's death must make a risky decision to ally themselves with one or another of his warring former generals; #6 in the Tyrant series. Christian Cameron, Killer of Men (2010), about a Greek farm boy enslaved after a battle who vows vengeance as Persian armies threaten Greece; #1 in the Long War series. Review Christian Cameron, Marathon: Freedom or Death (2011), about the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C., which pitted the Greeks against the invading Persians; #2 in the Long War series. Review Christian Cameron, Poseidon's Spear (2012), about a Greek who joins a brotherhood of freed slaves to gain revenge on the Carthaginian who enslaved him; #3 in the Long War series. Review Christian Cameron, The Great King (2013), about a Greek soldier who fights in the Spartan expedition to Egypt; #4 in the Long War series. Review Christian Cameron, Salamis (2016), about about a Greek sea captain who fights in the Battle of Salamis; #5 in the Long War series. Review Christian Cameron, Rage of Ares (2016), about a Greek warrior who fights in the Battle of Plataea; #6 and last in the Long War series. Christian Cameron, God of War (2012), about Alexander the Great from the perspective of his boyhood friend Ptolemy. Review
Lindsay Clarke, The War at Troy (2004), a retelling of the story of the Trojan War. Lindsay Clarke, The Return from Troy (2005), about the homecoming of Greek leaders who fought in the Trojan War. Alexander Cole, Colossus (2014), about a mahout whose courage in facing a rampaging war elephant impresses Alexander the Great. Les Cole, The Sea Kings: The Prophecy (1996), about Cretan traders in the Bronze Age; #1 in the Sea King trilogy. Les Cole, Lion at Sea: The Prophecy Continues (2001), about Cretan traders in the Bronze Age; #2 in the Sea King trilogy; self-published. Les Cole, The Sea Peoples: The Prophecy Resolved (2002), about Cretan traders in the Bronze Age; self-published. Elizabeth Cook, Achilles (2002), a literary novel about Achilles, the heroic Greek warrior who fought in the Trojan War. Review Laurel Corona, Penelope's Daughter (2010), a retelling of Homer's Odyssey from the perspective of the daughter of Odysseus and Penelope. Ian Crouch, The Shaping of Destiny (2010), about the young king Pyrrhus of Epirus, described by Hannibal as the second finest military leader in the world after Alexander; #1 in the Pyrrhic Victory series. Ian Crouch, Destiny Unfolds) (2015), about Pyrrhus as King of Epirus and his invasion of Italy; #2 in the Pyrrhic Victory series. J.B. Dath, Olympia 420 (2005), about efforts to revive the Olympic Games during the war between Athens and Sparta. William Stearns Davis, A Victor of Salamis: A Tale of the Days of Xerxes, Leonidas and Themistocles (1907), about the Greeks who defended their homeland from the Persian invasion. Review L. Sprague de Camp, An Elephant for Aristotle (1958), about a man who undertakes a mission for Alexander the Great which involves a journey across the known world. L. Sprague de Camp, The Arrows of Hercules (1965), about an engineer in the fourth century B.C. who invents an improved catapult and becomes involved in the war between Syracuse and Carthage. Review L. Sprague de Camp, The Golden Wind (1969), about a second century B.C. Greek navigator who attempts a sea voyage from Egypt to India by sailing around the coast of Africa. Alfred Duggan, Besieger of Cities (1963; also titled Elephants and Castles), a humorous novel about Demetrius I of Macedon, one of Alexander the Great's successors. Review Ivan Efremov (or Yefremov), Thais of Athens (1972 in the original Russian), about the beautiful Athenian hetaira Thais, who traveled with the army of Alexander the Great. Amanda Elyot, The Memoirs of Helen of Troy (2005), a retelling of the legendary story of Helen of Troy, whose beauty led to the Trojan War. John Erskine, The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1925), about the legendary Helen of Troy. Colin Falconer, Colossus (2015), about a courageous elephant trainer who rises to a high position in Alexander the Great's army and is faced with a choice between honor and power. Michael Curtis Ford, The Ten Thousand (2001), about the Athenian soldier Xenophon and an army of ten thousand Greek mercenaries who fight in a war to topple the Persian ruler. Review Sarah B. Franklin, Daughter of Troy (1998), about Briseis, the captive who becomes Achilles' mistress during the Trojan War. John Gardner, The Wreckage of Agathon (1970), about a seer and his apprentice imprisoned because of their supposed involvement in a rebellion against the Spartan tyrant Lykourgos (commonly spelled Lycurgus). Review David Gemmell, Lord of the Silver Bow (2005), historical fantasy set in the Trojan War period; #1 in the Troy series. David Gemmell, Shield of Thunder (2006), historical fantasy set in the Trojan War period; #2 in the Troy series. David Gemmell, Fall of Kings (2007), historical fantasy set in the Trojan War period; #3 in the Troy series. Margaret George, Helen of Troy (2006), about the woman at the center of the Trojan War. Ellen Gilchrist, Anabasis: A Journey to the Interior (1994), about a slave girl seeking freedom during the Peloponnesian War. William Golding, The Double Tongue (1995), about a woman who becomes a Delphic oracle. Review Jo Graham, Stealing Fire (2010), historical fantasy about Lydias of Miletus who follows Ptolemy to Egypt, after Alexander's death causes his empire to fall apart and the Goddess Isis urges Ptolemy to protect Egypt. Robert Graves, Homer's Daughter, about who the author of the Odyssey may have been if, as some scholars have speculated, she was a woman. Robert Graves, The Golden Fleece (also titled Hercules, My Shipmate) (1944), a retelling of the legend of Jason and the Argonauts by the author of I, Claudius. Review Peter Green, The Laughter of Aphrodite (1993), about the ancient Greek poet Sappho of Lesbos. Review Peter Green, Achilles His Armour (1955), about the Athenian general Alcibiades.
Kerry Greenwood, Electra (1996), about Electra, the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, and her brother Orestes, who flee their home and plan vengeance after their mother murders their father; originally #2 in the Delphic Women trilogy (later renumbered as #3). Kerry Greenwood, Medea (1997), about the legendary sorceress who helped Jason acquire the Golden Fleece, and then killed her children by him in revenge; originally #3 in the Delphic Women trilogy (later renumbered as #1).
Victor Davis Hanson, The End of Sparta (2011), about a farmer who serves in the Theban army under Epaminondas during the Battle of Leuktra. Emily Hauser, For the Most Beautiful (2016), about two Trojan women who try to save Troy during the Trojan War. Emily Hauser, For the Immortal (2018), about a Greek woman who accompanies Hercules on his voyage to the land of the Amazons, where she hopes to find a cure for her dying brother. Terence Hawkins, The Rage of Achilles (2009), a retelling of the story of The Iliad about the Trojan War.
T.L. Higley, Garden of Madness (2012), about the daughter of the mad king Nebuchadnezzar; Christian message; #2 in the Seven Wonders series T.L. Higley, Isle of Shadows (revised 2012; previously released 2008 as Shadow of Colossus, #1 in the Seven Wonders series), about a former courtesan who hides the death of her patron, a politician, with the help of his head servant, a follower of the one God; Christian message; now #3 in the Seven Wonders series T.L. Higley, Keeper of the Flame (revised 2015; previously released 2009 as Guardian of the Flame, #3 in the Seven Wonders series), about a woman who guards the famous lighthouse at Alexandria; Christian message; now #4 in the Seven Wonders series. T.L. Higley, So Shines the Night (2013), about a woman, rescued by a wealthy merchant of Ephesus, who now serves as his tutor, as tensions build between pagans and Christians; #5 in the Seven Wonders series.
Tom Holt, Alexander at the World's End (1999), a darkly comic novel about a minor philosopher and Alexander the Great. Tom Holt, Olympiad, a comic novel about the first Olympic Games. Homer, The Iliad, the classic epic poem written in ancient history (800 B.C.) about the Trojan War. Review Homer, The Odyssey, an epic poem based on legends about the wanderings of Odysseus, a Greek survivor of the Trojan War, and his return home to Ithaca; written around the eighth century B.C. Peter Huby, Pasiphae (2000), based on the Greek myth about Pasiphae, the wife of the Cretan King Minos, and her passion for a white bull.
Glyn Iliffe, The Gates of Troy (2009), about Odysseus and his efforts to find Achilles and persuade him to join the warriors of Greece in the war against Troy after Helen is Sparta is abducted; #2 in the Adventures of Odysseus series. Glyn Iliffe, The Armour of Achilles (2010), about Odysseus near the end of the Trojan War; #3 in the Adventures of Odysseus series. Glyn Iliffe, The Oracles of Troy (2014), about Odysseus and his creation of the Trojan Horse; #4 in the Adventures of Odysseus series. Glyn Iliffe, The Voyage of Odysseus (2016), about the homeward voyage of Odysseus and his descent into Hell; #5 in the Adventures of Odysseus series. Glyn Iliffe, Return to Ithaca (2017), about the Odysseus's return home, where he finds his wife and son besieged by her suitors; #6 in the Adventures of Odysseus series.
John James, Not For All the Gold in Ireland (1968), a humorous novel about a Greek merchant who meets figures from legend during his travels through Ireland and Britain; sequel to Votan. Erica Jong, Sappho's Leap, about the poetess from the Greek Isle of Lesbos. Tim Leach, The Last King of Lydia (2013), about Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia (now part of Turkey), who reputedly once asked the Athenian philosopher Solon who was the happiest man in the world. C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces (1956), a literary retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth, set in a fictional kingdom. Morgan Llywelyn, The Elementals, a four-part novel that links stories based on the destruction of the legendary Atlantis and the earthquake that destroyed Knossos with stories set in contemporary New England and in the future. Ki Longfellow, Flow Down Like Silver (2009), about Hypatia of Alexandria, a pagan woman scholar in Greek Alexandria who was murdered by a Christian mob in 415 A.D. Annabel Lyon, The Golden Mean (2010), about Aristotle, who reluctantly accepts Philip of Macedon's request that he tutor Philip's son Alexander. Review Annabel Lyon, The Sweet Girl (2013), about Aristotle’s daughter Pythias and the superstitious world she must live in after her father’s death. David Malouf, Ransom (2009), a poetic novel inspired by the Iliad which focuses on the Trojan king Priam's visit to Achilles in the Greek camp after the deaths of Patroclus and Hector. Review
Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Child of a Dream (1998), about Alexander the Great; #1 in the Alexander trilogy. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Sands of Ammon (1998), about Alexander the Great; #2 in the Alexander trilogy. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Ends of the Earth (1998), about Alexander the Great; #3 in the Alexander trilogy. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Tyrant (2003 in the original Italian; first English edition 2005), about Dionysius, the Tyrant of Syracuse, and his military challenge to Carthage in the fifth century B.C. Review Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Talisman of Troy (2004; also titled Heroes), about a survivor of the Trojan War who journeys to Italy with a mother-goddess figure; based on legends about the Trojan War. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Lost Army (2008), about Xenophon's mistress, who accompanied his army of ten thousand Greek mercenaries in 410 B.C. in their effort to take the throne of Persia for Cyrus the Younger. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Odysseus: The Oath (2014), about Odysseus from his early life through the Trojan War; #1 in the Odysseus series. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Odysseus: The Return (2014), about Odysseus's efforts to return home after the end of the Trojan War; #1 in the Odysseus series.
F. Van Wyck Mason, Lysander (1956), about a young soldier at the time of Alexander the Great. Zachary Mason, The Lost Books of the Odyssey (2008), an experimental literary novel written in the form of an imagined lost original text of Homer's Odyssey. Colleen McCullough, The Song of Troy (1998), about the Trojan War.
John McLeod, Lord of the World (2006), about Alexander the Great from the time of his Persian campaign to his campaign on the borders of India; #2 in the Alexander series; self-published. John McLeod, God of War (2008), about Alexander the Great from his later military campaigns to the end of his life; #3 in the Alexander series; self-published.
Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles (2011), about Achilles, a Greek hero in the Trojan War, and his boyhood friend Patroclus. Madeline Miller, Circe (2018), about Circe, the legendary nymph who entertained Odysseus on her isle and delayed his return from Troy. Review Nicholas Nicastro, Antigone's Wake (2007), about Sophocles and the Athenian fleet sent to punish the Isle of Samos after it revolts. Review Nicholas Nicastro, Empire of Ashes: A Novel of Alexander the Great, about Alexander the Great, as told after his death by his friend Machon. Nicholas Nicastro, The Isle of Stone (2005), about two Spartan brothers who, despite their testy relationship, must fight alongside each other during the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. Review Scott Oden, Men of Bronze (2005), about a Phoenician warrior in 526 B.C. during the wars between Egypt and Persia. Scott Oden, Memnon (2006), about Memnon of Rhodes, who fought on the Persian side against Alexander the Great. Review Max Overton, Lion of Scythia (2004), about a cavalry officer in Alexander the Great's army who is captured by Scythians. Max Overton, The Golden King (2004), about warfare among the Scythians as an officer of Alexander the Great struggles to gain influence in the tribe that has captured him. Max Overton, Funeral in Babylon (2005), about a Greek officer who has gained power among the Scythians as the end comes for Alexander the Great. Francesca Petrizzo, Memoirs of a Bitch (2011), about Helen of Troy. Stephanie Plowman, The Road to Sardis (1965), about a young cousin of the Athenian general Alcibiades during the Peloponnesian War; the author intended this novel for adult readers, although the publisher promoted it for teens. Stephanie Plowman, The Leaping Song (1975), about Greeks defending themselves from Persian invaders during the Battle of Salamis; the author intended this novel for adult readers, although the publisher promoted it for teens. Richard Powell, Whom the Gods Would Destroy (1970), about a boy who grows up during the Trojan War.
Steven Pressfield, Tides of War (2000), about the brilliant Athenian general Alcibiades. Review Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire (1998), about the suicidal Spartan effort to hold the pass at Thermopylae against a much larger Persian army in 480 B.C. Review Steven Pressfield, The Virtues of War (2004), a novel of warfare about Alexander the Great; #1 in a series. Review Steven Pressfield, The Afghan Campaign (2006), about a Macedonian soldier in Alexander the Great's army during its campaign in what is now Afghanistan; #2 in a series. Review
Jane Rawlings, The Penelopeia (2003), a novel in verse form about the adventures of Penelope, Odysseus' wife, when she travels to consult the Pythian oracle after Odysseus' return from Troy. Marc Read, New Stars for Old (2013), a collection of short stories about the history of astronomy featuring characters like Aristotle, Galileo and Newton. Mary Renault, The King Must Die (1958), a realistic historical novel based on the legend of Theseus from Greek mythology. Review Mary Renault, The Bull from the Sea (1962), a realistic historical novel based on the legend of Theseus from Greek mythology; sequel to The King Must Die. Review Mary Renault, Fire from Heaven (1969), about Alexander the Great as a youth; #1 in the Alexander trilogy. Review Mary Renault, The Persian Boy (1972), about Alexander the Great from the perspective of a Persian youth who became his lover after Alexander's conquest of Persia; #2 in the Alexander trilogy. Review Mary Renault, Funeral Games (1981), about the friends of Alexander the Great after his death; #3 in the Alexander trilogy. Review Mary Renault, The Last of the Wine (1956), about a student of Socrates and his experiences during the Peloponnesian War. Review Mary Renault, The Mask of Apollo (1966), about the fourth century B.C. philosopher Plato in Syracuse, as narrated by a Greek actor. Review Mary Renault, The Praise Singer (1978), about the Greek lyric poet Simonides. Review
Melissa Scott, A Choice of Destinies (1986), a novel of alternative history which imagines what might have happened if Alexander the Great had faced a choice between his campaign to conquer the East or challenging the emerging power of Rome. Miranda Seymour, The Goddess, about Helen of Troy. Miranda Seymour, Medea, based on an ancient Greek legend about a sorceress who told Jason how to find the Golden Fleece. George Shipway, Warrior in Bronze, about Agamemnon's rise to the throne of Mycenae. George Shipway, King in Splendour, about Agamemnon and the Trojan War.
Noble Smith, Spartans at the Gates (2014), about a young warrior of Plataea, an ally of Athens during the Peloponnesian War, who is sent to Athens for help when the Spartans attack; #2 in the Warrior trilogy. Noble Smith, Sword of Apollo (2015), about a young warrior of Plataea who sets out to lead his people to Athens while a huge Spartan army tries to hunt them down.
Thomas Sundell, A Bloodline of Kings (2001), about Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Review Rosemary Sutcliff, The Flowers of Adonis (1969), about the brilliant but erratic Athenian general Alkibiades and the Peloponnesian War. Greg Tobin, The Siege of Troy, about the Trojan War. Colm Tóibín, House of Names (2017), a retelling of the legend of Clytemnestra, Agamemnon and their children, set in a realistic Ancient Greece. Review
H.N. Turteltaub, The Gryphon's Skull, about ancient Greek seamen; #2 in a series. H.N. Turteltaub, The Sacred Land, about ancient Greek seamen; #3 in a series. H.N. Turteltaub, Owls to Athens, about ancient Greek seamen; #4 in a series.
David Vann, Bright Air Black (2016), a realistic retelling of the story of Medea. Gore Vidal, Creation, about a Persian ambassador to Athens and his travels through the ancient world, echoing those of Herodotus. Review Florence Wallin, According to Helen (1997), a novel which reimagines Helen of Troy as the ruling queen over the region that would become Sparta. Jill Paton Walsh, Farewell, Great King (1972), about Themistocles, who successfully defended Athens from the Persians during the fifth century B.C. Evangeline Walton, The Sword Is Forged (1983), a retelling of the legend of Theseus and the Amazons. Rex Warner, Pericles the Athenian (1963), about the great fifth century B.C. Athenian leader. Review Christa Wolf, Cassandra, a literary, feminist perspective on the Trojan War by an East German author. Christa Wolf, Medea, a literary retelling of the Medea story that looks behind the misogynistic fantasy of the ancient legend to portray a realistic woman. Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist (1986; Latro in the Mist combines this novel and the sequel, Soldier of Arete in one volume), about a Spartan mercenary who, after a head injury, loses his short-term memory and gains the ability to speak with gods and goddesses; #1 in the Soldier series. Gene Wolfe, Soldier of Arete (1989), about a Spartan mercenary who, after a head injury, loses his short-term memory and gains the ability to speak with gods and goddesses; #2 in the Soldier series. Gene Wolfe, Soldier of Sidon (2006), about a Spartan mercenary who, after a head injury, loses his short-term memory and gains the ability to speak with gods and goddesses; #3 in the Soldier series. Frank Yerby, Goat Song (1967), about a boy prostitute during the time of the Peloponnesian Wars.
Ancient Greece: Mystery Novels
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Anna Apostolou, A Murder in Thebes (1999), a mystery novel set during the time of Alexander the Great; Anna Apostolou is a pen name of Paul Doherty; #2 in a mystery series. Daniel Chavarria, The Eye of Cybele (2002), an erotic literary mystery novel set in Athens during the Peloponnesian War.
Gary Corby, The Ionia Sanction (2011), a humorous mystery about a sculptor's son who encounters numerous potentially deadly dilemmas while investigating the death of an Athenian official; #2 in the Athenian Mysteries series. Gary Corby, Sacred Games (2013), about a sculptor's son whose best friend is accused of murdering his rival in the Olympic Games; #3 in the Athenian Mysteries series. Gary Corby, The Marathon Conspiracy (2016), about an Athenian private agent whom Pericles assigns to find out why a student who discovered the skull of an Athenian tyrant has been murdered; #4 in the Athenian Mystery series. Gary Corby, Death Ex Machina (2015), about an Athenian private agent who, assisted by the priestess who is now his wife, investigates why a ghost appears to be haunting the grand theater in Athens; #5 in the Athenian Mystery series. Gary Corby, The Singer from Memphis (2016), about an Athenian private agent who goes undercover on a trip to Egypt with Herodotus, in order to help Egyptians rebelling against Persian rule; #6 in the Athenian Mystery series. Gary Corby, Death on Delos (2017), about an Athenian private agent sent to the sacred island of Delos with unholy instructions; #7 in the Athenian Mystery series.
Paul Doherty, The Godless Man (2002), a mystery featuring Alexander the Great's personal physician investigating a series of murders during Alexander's Persian campaign; #2 in the Telamon Trilogy. Paul Doherty, The Gates of Hell (2003), a mystery featuring Alexander the Great's personal physician investigating the death of a scribe as Alexander prepares to invade Halicarnassus; #3 in the Telamon Trilogy.
Margaret Doody, Aristotle and Poetic Justice (2002), about a young man who teams up with the philosopher Aristotle to investigate the abduction of a silver merchant's heiress; #2 in the Aristotle Detective mystery series. Margaret Doody, Aristotle and the Secrets of Life (2003; also published under the title Aristotle and the Mystery of Life), about a student who travels with Aristotle to the coast of Asia Minor where they investigate a murder; #3 in the Aristotle Detective mystery series. Margaret Doody, Poison in Athens (2004), about a former student of Aristotle who discovers a corpse when he visits a brothel; #4 in the Aristotle Detective mystery series. Margaret Doody, Mysteries of Eleusis (2005), about a former student of Aristotle who teams up with him to investigate a murder during a celebration of the Mysteries of Eleusis; #5 in the Aristotle Detective mystery series.
Roger Hudson, Death Comes by Amphora (2007), about an 18-year-old boy from an Athenian colony and his elderly slave who arrive in Athens amid the deadly political struggles of 461 B.C. following the defeat of the Persians. Jose Carlos Somoza, The Athenian Murders (2002), a story within a story as the translator of an account of a murder investigation in Plato's Athens becomes convinced that he, too, is in danger. Marilyn Todd, Blind Eye (2007), about a Spartan high priestess who investigates murders attributed to the legendary Cyclops.
Ancient Rome
Rome and its empire have been a popular subject of historical novels from the nineteenth century into the present. Suggesting the city's origins, legends tell of the Trojan War hero Aeneas fleeing to Italy after the fall of Troy and, more mysteriously, of the twins Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she-wolf. Archaeological evidence shows Rome was founded around the eighth century B.C. as a city influenced by its Etruscan neighbors. According to legend, Rome was first ruled by a series of kings, most of whose names were Etruscan. Around the fifth century B.C., the people of Rome overthrew their last king and established a republic which endured for almost five centuries. During the turmoil of the first century B.C., a series of dictators took control of the city, culminating in the extraordinary rise of Julius Caesar and the end of the Republic. Rome began its development into an empire while it was still a republic, absorbing its Italian neighbors. Caesar's conquests in Gaul and elsewhere began an expansion by which the Empire grew to encompass most of Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East bordering the Mediterranean. The Empire's influence extended far beyond its official borders. Barbarian incursions, mutinies in its army, and the corruption and insanity of various emperors weakened the Empire and provide dramatic material for historical fiction. Its armies abandoned Britain in 410 A.D., the same year the city was sacked by the Visigoths. In the fifth century, Rome's territories were divided into an Eastern and a Western Empire. In 476 Romulus Augustulus, the last Western Roman Emperor, was deposed by Odoacer, a Germanic warrior, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the medieval period. Novels set in the Eastern Roman Empire after 476 are listed on the Medieval Constantinople and Byzantium page. The 50 Best Historical Novels for a Survey of Ancient Roman History, selected by David Maclaine
Michael E. Anderson, The Parthian Interpreter (2007), about the journey of a Roman senator and his Parthian slave to China during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Poul Anderson, The Golden Slave (1960), about a Cimbrian chieftain sold into slavery after losing a war with Rome in 100 B.C., and his quest to free his beautiful wife, who was forced to become a concubine. Gertrude Atherton, Dido, Queen of Hearts (1929), a retelling of Virgil's story of Aeneas and the Queen of Carthage. Emery Bekessy, Barabbas (1947), about the criminal released in place of Jesus before the crucifixion. Gillian Bradshaw, Cleopatra's Heir (2002), a novel imagining what might have happened if Caesarion, Cleopatra's son by Julius Caesar, had survived the plot to assassinate him. Gillian Bradshaw, Render Unto Caesar (2003), about a young Greek trader who is a Roman citizen and encounters prejudice when he goes to Rome to collect debts owed to his family. Review Irene Brand, In This Sign Conquer Wallace Breem, Eagle in the Snow (1970), about a Roman general trying to hold back a barbarian invasion during the time before the fall of Rome. Review Wallace Breem, The Legate's Daughter Hermann Broch, The Death of Virgil (1945), about Virgil, the Roman poet who wrote The Aeneid about the fall of Troy.
Nick Brown, The Imperial Banner (2012), about an imperial agent sent to Syria in 272 A.D. to find a missing Persian battle standard after the defeat of Queen Zenobia; #2 in the Agent of Rome series. Nick Brown, The Far Shore (2013), about an imperial agent who travels to the edge of the Empire on the trail of an assassin who killed a Roman official on the Isle of Rhodes; #3 in the Agent of Rome series. Nick Brown, The Black Stone (2014), about an imperial agent sent to find a rock said to channel the voices of the gods; #4 in the Agent of Rome series. Nick Brown, The Emperor’s Silver (2015), about a Roman intelligence agent sent to investigate and break up a gang of counterfeiters; #5 in the Agent of Rome series. Nick Brown, The Earthly Gods (2016), about a Roman intelligence agent who, against orders, teams up with a nomadic chieftain and his band in order to rescue the enslaved daughter of an old ally; #6 in the Agent of Rome series.
Bryher, Roman Wall (1954), set during the Roman period in what is now Switzerland; Bryher was the pen name of the feminist author Annie Winnifred Ellerman. Review Bryher, The Coin of Carthage (1963), set during the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage. Review Edward Bulwer-Lytton, The Last Days of Pompeii (1834), a romantic story about life in Pompeii that begins in the days just before Vesuvius erupted; Bulwer-Lytton is justly famous for his purple prose. Edgar Rice Burroughs, I Am a Barbarian (1967), about a slave owned by the mad Emperor Caligula; written in 1941 but not published until after the author's death. Edward Burton, Caesar's Daughter Taylor Caldwell, A Pillar of Iron (1965), about the Roman orator Cicero. Frank Castle, Nero John Henry Clay, At the Ruin of the World Wilkie Collins, Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome (1850), a romantic novel about a woman living through the sack of Rome by the Goths. Bev Cooke, Keeper of the Light David J. Cord, Dead Romans Thomas B. Costain, The Darkness and the Dawn (1959), about Attila the Hun. Elisabeth Roberts Craft, A Spy for Hannibal Stephen Dando-Collins, The Inquest Lindsey Davis, The Course of Honour (1997), about Emperor Vespasian's mistress. Lindsey Davis, Master and God (2012), about the unlikely friendship between a Praetorian Guard and a style-setting woman who makes wigs for the Emperor Domitian, and the choices they must make as Domitian descends into madness. Review William Stearns Davis, A Friend of Caesar: A Tale of the Fall of the Roman Republic (1900). Mario de Carvalho, A God Strolling in the Cool of the Evening (1997), set in the Roman empire during the late second century, about the rise of Christianity in the province that became modern Portugal. Robert DeMaria, Clodia (1965), about the poet Catullus, the beautiful and promiscuous Clodia, and Rome during the struggles of Caesar, Pompey and Crassus for power. Luke Devenish, Den of Wolves Louis de Wohl, The Living Wood (1947), about Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, her conversion to Christianity, and her search for the cross on which Jesus was crucified; Christian message. Louis de Wohl, Imperial Renegade William Dietrich, Scourge of God (2005), about Attila the Hun. L. Sprague de Camp, Lest Darkness Fall (1941), about a history professor who goes back in time and tries to prevent the fall of Rome. James Douglas, The Isis Covenant Theodora DuBois, Captive of Rome (1962), about an Irish princess sold into slavery in Rome and captured by Goths during the sack of the city. Stella Duffy, Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore (2011), about the child prostitute who would become the Empress Theodora; #1 in the Theodora series. Stella Duffy, The Purple Shroud (2012), about Theodora in the years after she marries Justinian and becomes empress; #2 in the Theodora series. James Duffy, Sand of the Arena, about a wealthy Roman who becomes a gladiator after a slave steals his identity following a deadly shipwreck; #1 in the Gladiators of the Empire series. James Duffy, The Fight for Rome, about a gladiator who wields power behind the scenes during the civil war following Nero's suicide; #2 in the Gladiators of the Empire series.
Alfred Duggan, Winter Quarters (1956), about two men from Gaul who join the Roman army and travel across the Empire as far as Parthia. Review Alfred Duggan, Three's Company Alfred Duggan, Family Favourites
David Anthony Durham, Pride of Carthage (2005), about Hannibal's military campaign against Rome. Review David Anthony Durham, The Risen (2016), about the slave revolt led by the gladiator Spartacus in 73 BC. Georg Ebers, Homo Sum (1878), about a fifth-century Christian anchorite on the Sinai Peninsula.
Robert Fabbri, Rome’s Executioner (2012), about the young Vespasian and his dangerous mission to the Danube during the reign of Emperor Tiberius; #2 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, False God of Rome (2013), about Vespasian, the future emperor of Rome, during the reign of Caligula; #3 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, Rome’s Fallen Eagle (2013), about Vespasian during the reign of Emperor Claudius, when he is sent to Germania to retrieve the eagle lost there by the ninth legion four decades earlier; #4 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, Masters of Rome (2014), about Vespasian's efforts to free his brother from malevolent druid captors in Brittania during the reign of Emperor Claudius; #5 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, Rome’s Lost Son (2015), about Vespasian in the year 51 as Emperor Claudius's aides compete for power and rumor spread of plots by his wife Agrippina; #6 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, The Furies of Rome (2016), about Vespasian during the reign of Nero, when he is sent to Londinium on the eve of a revolt; #7 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, Rome's Sacred Flame (2018), about Vespasian during his time as Governor of Africa and his return to Rome to find the city on the edge of revolt; #8 in the Vespasian series. Robert Fabbri, Emperor of Rome (2019), about Vespasian as he contends with Nero's extreme jealousy and a mission to subdue a revolt in Judaea; #9 in the Vespasian series.
Lion Feuchtwanger, Josephus (1932), about the first century Jewish historian Josephus during the years when he visits Rome, then witnesses the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.; #1 in the Josephus trilogy. Review Lion Feuchtwanger, The Jew of Rome (1935), about the first century Jewish historian Josephus after the fall of Jerusalem, as he rises to a position of status in Rome; #2 in the Josephus trilogy. Review Lion Feuchtwanger, Josephus and the Emperor (1942), about the first century Jewish historian Josephus and the deterioration of his relationship with the emperor Domitian as he begins to persecute Jews; #3 in the Josephus trilogy. Review
Michael Curtis Ford, Gods and Legions, about the wars of Julian, the last pagan Emperor of Rome, who ruled from 360-363. Michael Curtis Ford, The Last King, a novel of ancient warfare about Rome's enemy Mithridates. Michael Curtis Ford, The Sword of Attila, a novel of ancient warfare about Attila the Hun.
Géza Gárdonyi, Slave of the Huns Margaret George, The Confessions of Young Nero (2017), about Nero's efforts to survive the reign of the mad Emperor Caligula and to escape his mother's malign influence in the years before he became Emperor of Rome. Margaret George, The Splendor Before the Dark (2018), about Emperor Nero and his efforts to rebuild Rome and his own endangered status after a disastrous fire consumes the city; sequel to The Confessions of Young Nero. David Gibbins, The Last Gospel (2008; titled The Lost Tomb in the U.S.), about a modern archaeologist who discovers a secret about the origin of Christianity while researching the ruins of a library in Pompeii. David Gibbins, Total War Rome: Destroy Carthage (2013), about a Roman legionary who serves under Scipio Aemilianus (later Scipio Africanus) before and during the Roman conflict with Carthage; #1 in the Total War Rome series, based on the Total War Rome computer game. David Gibbins, Sword of Attila (2016), about a Roman legionary fighting against the Vandals in North Africa in 439 as the Huns threaten Rome from the east; #2 in the Total War Rome series, based on the Total War Rome computer game. Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Spartacus (1933), about the first-century slave revolt led by Spartacus; Lewis Grassic Gibbon was a pen name of James Leslie Mitchell. Donna Gillespie, The Light Bearer (1994), about a Germanic woman warrior during the time of Nero who struggles to prevent Rome from conquering the German tribes. Donna Gillespie, Lady of the Light (2006), about a Germanic woman married to a Roman man who has been secretly financing her people's resistance to Roman rule; sequel to The Light Bearer. Jo Graham, Black Ships (2008), historical fantasy about an oracle who guides Aeneas on his journey to a new land after the fall of Troy. Dewey Gram, Gladiator, a novelization of the Ridley Scott film about a Roman general who becomes a gladiator in order to avenge the murder of his family. Ralph A. Graves, The Lost Eagles Robert Graves, I, Claudius (1934), a novel about Claudius during the reigns of Augustus through Caligula until he became Emperor of Rome in 41 A.D.; the television mini-series of the same name was based on this novel. Review Robert Graves, Claudius the God (1935), about the reign of Emperor Claudius; sequel to I, Claudius. Review George Green, Hawk Peter Green, The Sword of Pleasure: Being the Memoirs of the Most Illustrious Lucius Cornelius Sulla (1957), about the Roman dictator Sulla. Hella S. Haasse, Threshold of Fire: A Novel of Fifth Century Rome (1993), about the Christian persecutions of pagans in Rome during the time of Emperor Hadrian. Barbara Hambly, Search the Seven Hills Robert Harris, Pompeii, a novel of ancient history, about the eruption of Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii. Robert Harris, Imperium (2006), about Cicero's rise to political power in ancient Rome; #1 in the Cicero trilogy. Review Robert Harris, Conspirata (2009; titled Lustrum in the U.K.), about Cicero's year as consul in 63 B.C.and the years immediately following, as Julius Caesar plots to gain power; #2 in the Cicero trilogy. Review Robert Harris, Dictator (2016), about Cicero's return to Rome from exile after he promises to support Julius Caesar, and his struggle to regain political power; #3 in the Cicero trilogy. Review John Hersey, The Conspiracy (1972), about the poet Lucan and the playwright and philosopher Seneca, investigated for subversive political activities by Emperor Nero's spies. Review Cecelia Holland, The Death of Attila (1973), about a Hun warrior in the time of Attila. Review Thomas Holt, A Song for Nero Lance Horner, Rogue Roman Peter Huby, Carthage, about Rome's destruction of Carthage in 146 B.C. Damion Hunter, The Centurions Damion Hunter, Barbarian Princess Damion Hunter, The Emperor's Games
Conn Iggulden, The Death of Kings (2004), about the dangers Caesar faced during his rise to power, including capture by Mediterranean pirates and the slave rebellion of Spartacus; #2 in the Emperor series. Conn Iggulden, The Field of Swords (2005), about the friendship and rivalry between Caesar and Brutus as Caesar moves toward the fateful decision to cross the Rubicon and make war in Rome; #3 in the Emperor series. Conn Iggulden, The Gods of War (2006), about Caesar and the civil war he pursued in order to unseat Pompey as dictator of Rome; #4 in the Emperor series. Conn Iggulden, The Blood of Gods (2013), about the struggle for power in Rome after the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Douglas Jackson, Claudius (2009), about Caratacus, who leads the British defense against the Roman invasion, and the keeper of the elephant Emperor Claudius brings to Britain to strike fear into its defenders. Douglas Jackson, Hero of Rome Douglas Jackson, Defender of Rome (2011), about a celebrated soldier who returns to Rome, scarred by his experiences in Britain, and is given the responsibility of capturing the leader of the new Christian sect; #2 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Avenger of Rome (2012), about a Roman hero sent to Antioch as war with Parthia is about to begin; #3 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Sword Of Rome (2013), about a Roman hero who takes on the mission of assassinating Emperor Nero, ushering in the Year of the Four Emperors; #4 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Enemy of Rome (2014), about a Roman hero who must ally himself with his friend's enemies in order to save himself from execution for an act of cowardice on the battlefield he did not commit; #5 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Scourge of Rome (2016), about a disgraced Roman legionary who goes to Jerusalem in the hope of regaining his honor through an old friend now commanding the Roman army besieging Jerusalem; #6 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Saviour of Rome (2017), about a Roman legionary sent to a remote, mountainous region in Spain by Emperor Vespasian to find out why the yield of gold from the region has mysteriously dropped; #7 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Glory of Rome (2017), about a legionary in Emperor Vespasian's inner circle who has attracted the enmity of Vespasian's son Domitian, as the massacre of a Roman garrison in Britain causes turmoil; #8 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. Douglas Jackson, Hammer of Rome (2018), about a soldier, once again in command of a legion, who hopes to lead it to glory in battle against the Brigantes in Britain, despite its reputation as unlucky; #9 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series.
Brenda Jagger, Daughter of Aphrodite John Jakes, The Man from Cannae John James, The Bridge of Sand Benita Kane Jaro, The Key Benita Kane Jaro, The Lock (2002), about Cicero and the events that led to the downfall of the Roman Republic; #2 in the Key trilogy. Benita Kane Jaro, The Door in the Wall Leon Jenner, Bricks (2011), about a master bricklayer who remembers a past life as a Druid priest who tricked Julius Caesar. Gary Jennings, Raptor Geraint Jones, Siege (2018), about a legionary soldier captured by an insurgent German army, who plots with his fellow captives to escape and prevent the insurgents from destroying Rome.
Ben Kane, The Silver Eagle (2009), about Roman soldiers trapped in Parthia after a disastrous battle, and the search of the sister of one of the soldiers for her lover in Gaul amid the uprising led by Vercingetorix; #2 in the Forgotten Legion Chronicles series. Ben Kane, The Road to Rome (2010), about veterans of the disastrous Battle of Carrae and their struggle to return to Rome, while the sister of one of them faces danger in Rome; #3 in the Forgotten Legion trilogy. Ben Kane, Spartacus: The Gladiator (2012), about Spartacus, the leader of a slave rebellion against Rome, from the time he leaves his service as an auxiliary in the Roman army until, betrayed into slavery as a gladiator, he escapes and organizes the rebellion; #1 in the Spartacus series. Ben Kane, Spartacus: Rebellion (2012), about Spartacus as his army of rebels against Rome, initially victorious, faces the challenge of an army raised by Crassus; #2 in the Spartacus series. Ben Kane, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome (2013), about a Carthaginian boy sold into slavery in Rome who makes friends with his owner's son, but is destined to face him on the battlefield, as the young Carthaginian general Hannibal prepares to make war on Rome; #1 in the Hannibal series. Ben Kane, Hannibal: Fields of Blood (2013), about a young Carthaginian who fights under Hannibal in the Battle of Cannae; #2 in the Hannibal series. Ben Kane, Clouds of War Ben Kane, Eagles at War Ben Kane, Hunting the Eagles (2016), about a survivor of the disastrous Roman defeat in Germania who is determined to gain vengeance and recover his legion's lost eagle; #2 in the Eagles of Rome series. Ben Kane, Eagles in the Storm (2017), about a survivor of the disastrous Roman defeat in Germania who cannot rest until his defeated enemy is dead; #3 in the Eagles of Rome series.
Ross Laidlaw, Attila: The Scourge of God (2004), a novel of warfare about Attila the Hun and the Roman general Aetius. Ross Laidlaw, Theoderic (2010), about Theoderic, the Gothic chieftain who rose to rule the remains of the Roman Empire after it began to fall apart in the fifth century. Patrick Larkin, The Tribune (2003), a thriller with a Christian message set in Roman Galilee during the time of Jesus. Ross Leckie, Hannibal (1996), about Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who invaded Rome; #1 in the Carthage trilogy. Review Ross Leckie, Scipio (1998; also titled Scipio Africanus), a novel of ancient history, about the life of Scipio Africanus, the Roman general who defeated Hannibal; #2 in the Carthage trilogy. Review Ross Leckie, Carthage (2001), about the destruction of Carthage in the Third Punic War; #3 in the Carthage trilogy. Review Ursula K. Le Guin, Lavinia (2008), about the Italian woman who, according to legend, married Aeneas after the Trojan War and helped him found the city of Rome. Morgan Llywelyn, Etruscans, a fantasy novel based on legends about the ancient Etruscans, the forerunners of Roman civilization. Morgan Llywelyn, Druids, about Vercingetorix, the leader of the Gallic resistance against Caesar, and the druids of Gaul. Morgan Llywelyn, The Greener Shore, about Gallic druids who fled to Ireland after the Roman conquest of Gaul; sequel to Druids. Jack Ludlow, The Pillars of Rome Jack Ludlow, The Sword of Revenge Jack Ludlow, The Gods of War Paul L. Maier, The Flames of Rome, about the spread of Christianity in Rome during the reign of Nero; Christian message. David Malouf, An Imaginary Life (1978), about the poet Ovid and his relationship with a feral boy during his exile from Rome on the coast of the Black Sea.
Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Empire of Dragons, about a Roman soldier captured along with Emperor Valerian by the Persians and his journey to China after he escapes. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Tower, a dual-time novel about an Etruscan who is the sole survivor of a first-century Roman mission in the Sahara and a modern man trying to understand why his father has disappeared in the desert, their stories linked by a mysterious tower. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Last Legion (2002), about a band of Romano-British soldiers who journey to Rome in 470 A.D. as the Empire is beginning to collapse.
Allan Massie, Tiberius Allan Massie, Caesar Allan Massie, The Evening of the World, a novel of ancient history, about a Roman soldier's wanderings after the fall of Rome; #1 in the Dark Ages trilogy (#2, Arthur the King, is set in Arthurian Britain; #3, Charlemagne and Roland, is set in early medieval Europe). Allan Massie, Antony Allan Massie, Caligula Allan Massie, Nero's Heirs
Colleen McCullough, The Grass Crown (1991), about the Roman dictator Sulla; #2 in the Masters of Rome series. Review Colleen McCullough, Fortune's Favorites (1993), about the later years of the Roman dictator Sulla; #3 in the Masters of Rome series. Review Colleen McCullough, Caesar's Women (1996), about the rise of Julius Caesar; #4 in the Masters of Rome series. Review Colleen McCullough, Caesar (1997; also titled Caesar: Let the Dice Fly), about the mature Julius Caesar; #5 in the Masters of Rome series. Review Colleen McCullough, The October Horse (2002), about Julius Caesar's intervention in the civil war between Cleopatra and her brother; #6 in the Masters of Rome series. Review Colleen McCullough, Antony and Cleopatra (2007), about Cleopatra's scheme to make her son emperor of Rome in the wake of Julius Caesar's death; #7 in the Masters of Rome series. Review
Naomi Mitchison, The Conquered (1923), about the conflicted relationship of a Gaul and a Roman military officer during and after Julius Caesar's Gallic War. Review Kathleen Morgan, Enchant the Dream Talbot Mundy, Caesar Dies (1934), about the plot to kill the Roman Emperor Commodus after he goes insane. H. Warner Munn, The Lost Legion (1980), an adventure story about a legion sent to Asia by the mad Emperor Caligula. William Napier, Attila (2005; also titled The Scourge of God), about the early life of Attila the Hun; #1 in the Attila the Hun trilogy. William Napier, The Gathering of the Storm (2007), about the early life of Attila, as he returns from exile to claim his kingdom and strives to unite the Huns and Scythians; #2 in the Attila the Hun trilogy. William Napier, Attila: The Judgment (2008), about Attila's campaign against Rome; #3 in the Attila the Hun trilogy. John Henry Newman, Callista: A Tale of the Third Century (1855), about a young woman in Roman Africa and the process by which she converts to Christianity; written by an Anglican convert to Catholicism who became a cardinal Kyle Onstott and Lance Horner, Child of the Sun (1966), about the "effeminate" and “perverted" Varius Avitus Bassianus, or Elagabalus, who became Emperor of Rome in A.D. 218 Vincent Panella, Cutter's Island (2000), about Julius Caesar's experience of being kidnapped by pirates as a young man (an actual historical event).
Kate Quinn, Daughters of Rome (2011), about two Roman sisters whose lives are changed dramatically during the bloody Year of Four Emperors, 69 A.D.; #2 in the Mistress of Rome series. Kate Quinn, Empress of the Seven Hills Kate Quinn, Lady of the Eternal City (2015), about the wife of Emperor Hadrian, a gladiator she loves, and a prophecy; #4 in the Empress of Rome series.
Robert Raymond, Fire and Bronze (2005), about a princess of Tyre who became Queen Dido; based on legends about the founding of Carthage. Francine Rivers, A Voice in the Wind (1993), #1 in the Mark of the Lion series about the rise of Christianity in ancient Rome; Christian message. Francine Rivers, An Echo in the Darkness (1994), #2 in the Mark of the Lion series about the rise of Christianity in ancient Rome; Christian message. Francine Rivers, As Sure as the Dawn (1995), #3 in the Mark of the Lion series about the rise of Christianity in ancient Rome; Christian message. Keith Roberts, The Boat of Fate Kathleen Robinson, Dominic (1991), about an orphaned dwarf from Gaul who travels through the collapsing Roman empire. Kathleen Robinson, Heaven's Only Daughter M.J. Rose, The Reincarnationist (2007), about a man who suddenly, after a terrorist bombing in Rome, begins vividly recalling past lives in Rome in 391 A.D. and in 1884 New York. Ian Ross, War at the Edge of the World Ian Ross, Swords Around the Throne Ian Ross, Battle for Rome (2016), about a centurion promoted to tribune in Constantine's army who questions his allegiance as Constantine becomes more devoted to the Christian religion; #3 in the Twilight of Empire series. Ian Ross, The Mask of Command (2016), about an officer in Constantine's army sent to take command over forces on the Rhine, where both his own son and the Emperor's son are serving; #4 in the Twilight of Empire series.
Barry Sadler, Casca 5: The Barbarian Barry Sadler, God of Death Barry Sadler, Casca 3: The Warlord Barry Sadler, Casca 6: The Persian (1982), about a Roman soldier doomed to remain alive until the second coming of Christ, who becomes a commander of the Persian army; #6 in the Eternal Mercenary series (#5 chronologically of the first 22 books). Barry Sadler, Casca 7: The Damned Barry Sadler, Casca 9: The Sentinel Barry Sadler, Casca 13: The Assassin Barry Sadler, Casca 19: The Samurai Barry Sadler, Casca 22: The Mongol Barry Sadler, Casca 10: The Conquistador Barry Sadler, Casca 15: The Pirate Barry Sadler, Casca 17: The Warrior Barry Sadler, Casca 18: The Cursed Barry Sadler, Casca 21: The Trench Soldier Barry Sadler, Casca 4: The Panzer Soldier Barry Sadler, Casca 11: The Legionnaire Barry Sadler, Casca 16: The Desert Mercenary Barry Sadler, Casca 14: The Phoenix Barry Sadler, Casca 20: Soldier of Gideon Barry Sadler, Casca 8: Soldier of Fortune Barry Sadler, Casca 12: The African Mercenary (Sadler series) Paul Dengelegi, Barry Sadler's Casca: The Liberator (Sadler series) Paul Dengelegi, Barry Sadler's Casca: The Defiant (Sadler series) Tony Roberts, Barry Sadler's Casca: Halls of Montezuma (Sadler series) Tony Roberts, Barry Sadler's Casca: Johnny Reb (Sadler series) Tony Roberts, Barry Sadler's Casca: The Confederate (Sadler series) Tony Roberts, Barry Sadler's Casca: The Avenger (Sadler series) Michael B. Goodwin, Barry Sadler's Casca: Immortal Dragon (Sadler series) Tony Roberts, Barry Sadler's Casca: Napoleon's Soldier (Sadler series) Tony Roberts, Barry Sadler's Casca: The Conqueror
Steven Saylor, Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome (2007), a time-sweep novel about ancient Rome from its earliest founding as a settlement on the banks of the Tiber into the time of Caesar Augustus. Review Steven Saylor, Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome (2010), a sweep-of-history novel about ancient Rome from 14 A.D., the end of Caesar Augustus's reign to the death of Hadrian in 141 A.D. Review or Author Interview
Simon Scarrow, The Eagle's Conquest (2001), about a Roman centurion fighting in the campaign to conquer Britain in 43 A.D.; #2 in the Eagle series. Review Simon Scarrow, When the Eagle Hunts (2002), about a Roman centurion in Britain in the winter of 44 A.D.; #3 in the Eagle series. Review Simon Scarrow, The Eagle and the Wolves (2003), about a Roman centurion in Britain in the summer of 44 A.D.; #4 in the Eagle series. Review Simon Scarrow, The Eagle's Prey (2004), about a Roman centurion in Britain fighting against the army organized by Caratacus; #5 in the Eagle series. Review Simon Scarrow, The Eagle's Prophecy (2005), about a Roman soldier assigned to defeat a gang of pirates who have stolen some scrolls vital to the Empire's future; #6 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow, The Eagle in the Sand (2006), about a Roman soldier struggling to avert trouble in Syria; #7 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow, Centurion (2007), about a Roman centurion sent to defend Palmyra from Parthia, #8 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow, The Gladiator (2009), about two Roman centurions who arrive in Crete to find it devastated by an earthquake and on the verge of a rebellion against Rome; #9 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow, The Legion (2010), about a Roman prefect and his centurion friend who must go to Egypt to put a stop to a rebel gladiator and his band who have been posing as Roman soldiers and causing general mayhem; #10 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow, Praetorian (2011), about two army veterans summoned to Rome in 50 A.D. by Emperor Claudius's secretary to investigate a Republican movement known as "the Liberators"; #11 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow, Invictus (2016), about two army veterans sent to Spain with the Praetorian Guard; #12 in the Eagle series. Simon Scarrow and T.J. Andrews, Arena
M.C. Scott, The Coming of the King (2011), about a spy for Emperor Nero, a former friend of his who is determined to destroy a Roman province, and a woman seeking vengeance for the death of her father; #2 in the Rome series. M.C. Scott, The Eagle of the Twelfth (2012), about a young Macedonian recruited to the unlucky Twelfth Legion shortly before their Eagle is taken during a campaign in Judaea; #3 in the Rome series. M.C. Scott, Rome: The Art of War (2013), about a spy during the Year of the Four Emperors, A.D. 69; #4 in the Rome series.
Harry Sidebottom, King of Kings (2009), about a Roman general who returns to Rome in 256 AD amid an atmosphere of religious fanaticism to find that he has enemies in the city who would like to see him dead; #2 in the Warrior of Rome series. Review or Author Interview Harry Sidebottom, Lion of the Sun (2010), about a Roman solider who vows to wreak vengeance on the Sassanids who capture Emperor Valerian in 260 A.D.; #3 in the Warrior of Rome series. Review Harry Sidebottom, The Caspian Gates (2011), about a Roman solider whose knowledge of the barbarian Goths makes him uniquely qualified to defeat them in 262 A.D. as they threaten the Roman city of Ephesus, already shattered by an earthquake; #4 in the Warrior of Rome series. Review Harry Sidebottom, The Wolves of the North (2012), about a Roman soldier charged with turning two savage barbarian tribes against each other before their raiding destroys the Empire; #5 in the Warrior of Rome series. Review Harry Sidebottom, The Amber Road (2013), about a Roman soldier sent to the far north to raise troops in support of the emperor against another claimant to the throne; #6 in the Warrior of Rome series. Review Harry Sidebottom, Iron and Rust (2015), about the third-century crisis in the Roman Empire after Severus Alexander is assassinated; #1 in the Throne of the Caesars series. Review Harry Sidebottom, Blood and Steel (2016), about the crisis triggered by the rise of Emperor Maximinus; #2 in the Throne of the Caesars series. Review
Frank Slaughter, Constantine: The Miracle of the Flaming Cross Norman Spinrad, The Druid King (2003), about Vercingetorix, the Celtic chieftain who led the resistance to Caesar's conquest of Gaul. Review
John Stack, Captain of Rome (2010), a novel of naval warfare about a young ship captain whose inexperienced commander's orders send him into a trap; #2 in the Masters of the Sea series. Review John Stack, Master of Rome (2011), about a Greek serving as a commander in the Roman navy who escapes the Carthaginians and a storm at sea to fall afoul of Roman politics; #3 in the Masters of the Sea series. Review
Elisabeth Storrs, The Golden Dice (2013), about a Roman woman who returns to her Etruscan husband in a land where she is hated; #2 in the Tales of Ancient Rome series. Elisabeth Storrs, Call to Juno (2016), about the descendants of a Roman woman and an Etruscan man as the rivalry between the two cities turns to war; #3 in the Tales of Ancient Rome series.
Judith Tarr and Harry Turtledove, Household Gods (1999), about a modern woman who travels back in time to ancient Rome. Edward Thomson, Atilus the Slave Edward Thomson, Atilus the Gladiator Edward Thomson, Gladiator Stephanie Thornton, The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora (2013), about the Byzantine prostitute who rose to power as the mistress and then wife of Emperor Justinian. Colin Thubron, Emperor Harry Turtledove, Give Me Back My Legions! (2009), about the disastrous Roman defeat to the Germans under Arminius in the Teutoberg Forest in 9 AD. L.J. Trafford, Palatine (2015), about a plot to overthrow Emperor Nero; #1 in the Four Emperors series. Peter Vansittart, The Wall Henry Venmore-Rowland, The Last Caesar Henry Venmore-Rowland, The Sword and the Throne (2013); about Aulus Caecina Severus during the Year of the Four Emperors; sequel to The Last Caesar. Gore Vidal, Julian (1964), about Rome's Emperor Julian, who tried to revive paganism during his rule from 360-363. Review Virgil, The Aeneid (first century B.C.), an epic poem which incorporates ancient legends about the fall of Troy and the founding of Rome. Lew Wallace, Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), about a Hebrew prince in Roman Judea during the time of Jesus whose best friend, a Roman, becomes his enemy; Christian message. Mika Waltari, The Etruscan Rex Warner, Young Caesar Rex Warner, Imperial Caesar Paul Waters, Of Merchants and Heroes (2008; titled The Republic of Vengeance in the U.S.), about a young Roman at the end of the third century B.C. who pursues the pirates who murdered his father across Greece and Italy during the rise of Philip of Macedon. A 2008 "find" by reviewer Annis Paul Waters, Cast Not The Day (2009), about a young man in fifth century Roman Britain who becomes involved in the conflict between Christianity and classical paganism as the Empire begins to split at the seams; sequel to The Republic of Vengeance. Paul Waters, The Philosopher Prince (2010), about two young Romans whose only hope after they have been charged with treason is the emperor's nephew Prince Julian, who is himself hated by the emperor; sequel to Merchants and Heroes and The Republic of Vengeance.
Angus Watson, Clash of Iron (2015), historical fantasy about British warriors involved in the battles between British tribes as Julius Caesar plans to invade; #2 in the Iron Age series. Angus Watson, Reign of Iron (2015), historical fantasy about a British warrior queen struggling to fend off the invading army of Julius Caesar; #3 in the Iron Age series.
Russell Whitfield, Gladiatrix (2009), about a first century Spartan woman forced to become a gladiatrix. Review Russell Whitfield, Roma Victrix Russell Whitfield, Imperatrix (2014), about a defeated gladiatrix whose spirit is given the opportunity to return to life; #3 in the Gladiatrix series. Leonard Wibberley, The Testament of Theophilus Thornton Wilder, The Ides of March (1948), about the assassination of Julius Caesar. Review John Williams, Augustus (1972), about the Roman Emperor Augustus and his rise to power; winner of a National Book Award. Review David Wishart, I, Virgil David Wishart, Nero Marguerite Yourcenar, Memoirs of Hadrian (1951), a literary novel written in the form of the memoirs of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Review
Ancient Rome: Mystery Novels
Jump to long-running series mysteries, or scroll down for stand-alone mysteries and shorter series:
Albert A. Bell Jr., The Blood of Caesar: A Second Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger (2008), a mystery in which the Roman scholars Tacitus and Pliny the Younger are asked to find out who murdered a mason whose body was found in Domitian's library; #2 in the Pliny the Younger mystery series. Albert A. Bell Jr., The Corpus Conundrum: A Third Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger (2011), a mystery in which the Roman scholar Pliny the Younger must investigate the case of a body which turns up at his villa and then mysteriously disappears; #3 in the Pliny the Younger mystery series. Review
Richard Blake, The Terror of Constantinople (2009), about a traveler from England blackmailed by the papacy into abandoning his lecherous career to gather documents in Constantinople, supposedly for an arcane religious debate; #2 in the Death of Rome Saga. Richard Blake, The Blood of Alexandria (2010), about a traveler from England made a senator of Rome and sent to Egypt to collect a harvest, where an old enemy of his turns up; #3 in the Death of Rome Saga. Richard Blake, The Sword of Damascus (2011), about a former Roman senator, now elderly and writing his memoirs in England, who is captured and brought back to the Mediterranean; #4 in the Death of Rome Saga. Richard Blake, The Ghosts of Athens (2012), about a Roman senator who, returning from war in Egypt, is forced to make a side trip to Athens where he must solve a murder that could have political implications; #5 in the Death of Rome Saga.
Philip Boast, The Son of Heaven (2007), about the seventh son of a Roman aristocrat assigned to guard a Chinese Emperor's heir from the Huns along the Spice Road; #2 in the Septimus Quistus mystery series. Ron Burns, Roman Nights Ron Burns, Roman Shadows, about a Roman lawyer in the days after the murder of Julius Caesar; #2 in the Livinius Severus mystery series.
Lindsey Davis, Shadows in Bronze (1990), a palace spy tries to uncover the culprits plotting to assassinate Emperor Vespasian; #2 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Venus in Copper (1991), after being bailed out of prison, where he landed after making a small accounting error, a Roman investigator is hired to assist a family of freed slaves avoid trouble; #3 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, The Iron Hand of Mars (1992), an informer travels to Gaul on a mission for the Emperor Vespasian; #4 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Poseidon's Gold (1993), a Roman informer must try to clear his own family's name; #5 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Last Act in Palmyra (1994), a Roman informer tries to find out who murdered the playwright for a traveling comedy troupe; #6 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Time to Depart (1995), a Roman informer must start his investigation afresh when murders begin again even though he has succeeded in having Rome's worst criminal exiled; #7 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, A Dying Light in Corduba Lindsey Davis, Three Hands in the Fountain (1996), a Roman informer tracks down a serial killer who leaves body parts in the aqueducts; #9 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Two for the Lions (1998), a Roman informer is caught by surprise when the killing of a lion who is a star in the gladiatorial games leads to the murder of a trainer; #10 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, One Virgin Too Many (1999), a Roman informer's new duties as Procurator of the Sacred Poultry of the Senate and People of Rome lead him into trouble; #11 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Ode to a Banker (2000), a Roman informer and amateur poet stumbles into a case of murder after a banker offers to publish his work; #12 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, A Body in the Bath House (2001), a Roman informer travels to an expensive new building project in Britannia (today known as Fishbourne Palace) to investigate suspected corruption and a series of fatal accidents; #13 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, The Jupiter Myth (2002), in muddy Britannia where he has just solved a mystery, an informer for the Roman Emperor must solve a new case of murder before he can return home; #14 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, The Accusers (2003), a Roman informer lands in trouble after becoming involved in a legal case that leads to complications; #15 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Scandal Takes a Holiday (2004), a Roman informer's task of finding a missing gossip monger proves more difficult than expected; #16 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, See Delphi and Die (2005), a Roman informer travels to Greece on the emperor's business; #17 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Saturnalia (2007), about an informer for Emperor Vespasian who finds it especially difficult to find a missing woman and solve a case of murder during the Roman holiday of Saturnalia; #18 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Alexandria (2009), about an informer for Emperor Vespasian who must interrupt his vacation in Alexandria to investigate a death in the Great Library; #19 in the Falco mystery series. Review Lindsey Davis, Nemesis (2010), about an informer for Emperor Vespasian whose search for a serial killer is interrupted when his case is taken away from him by an official whose motives may be less than pure; #20 in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Falco: The Official Companion Lindsey Davis, The Ides of April (2013), about a young Roman widow working as an informer who finds herself suspected of murder after one of her clients dies; #1 in the Flavia Albia mystery series about the daughter of the detective in the Falco mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Enemies at Home (2014), about a young Roman widow working as a private informer who investigates the murder of a couple whose slaves have fled to sanctuary in the Temple of Ceres; #2 in the Flavia Albia mystery series. Review Lindsey Davis, Deadly Election (2015), about a young Roman widow investigating the death of a man whose corpse was found inside a family chest unopened for the past decade; #3 in the Flavia Albia mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Graveyard of the Hesperides (2016), about a Roman woman who follows her father's profession of informer whose intended husband finds bodies buried in the back garden of a bar his business is renovating; #4 in the Flavia Albia mystery series. Lindsey Davis, The Third Nero (2017), about a Roman woman who follows her father's profession of informer and is charged with investigating reports that Nero is not dead; #5 in the Flavia Albia mystery series. Lindsey Davis, Pandora’s Boy (2018), about a Roman woman who investigates the death of a girl, possibly as the result of a poisoned love potion; #6 in the Flavia Albia mystery series.
Paul Doherty, Murder Imperial, about a crisis faced by the new Emperor Constantine when a series of courtesans he had visited are murdered; #2 in the Ancient Rome series. Paul Doherty, The Song of the Gladiator, about a theological debate sponsored by Constantine during the summer of 313 A.D.; #3 in the Ancient Rome series. Paul Doherty, The Queen of the Night, about a mysterious series of murders of veteran soldiers in the summer of 314 in Rome which resemble barbaric practices of the Picts; #4 in the Ancient Rome series. Paul Doherty, Murder's Immortal Mask, about a serial killer who, having suspended his crimes since Constantine became emperor, suddenly begins killing again; #5 in the Ancient Rome series.
Shifra Hochberg, The Lost Catacomb Jess Steven Hughes, The Sign of the Eagle
Bruce Macbain, The Bull Slayer (2013), a mystery featuring Pliny the Younger, during his service as the Roman governor of Bithynia, investigating the murder of an official, possibly by a worshipper of a barbarian god; #2 in the Pliny the Younger mystery series. Albert Noyer, The Cybelene Conspiracy, a mystery set in the fifth century Roman Empire, #1 in the Getorius and Arcadia mystery series. Albert Noyer, The Secundus Papyrus, a mystery set in the fifth century Roman Empire, #2 in the Getorius and Arcadia mystery series. Albert Noyer, The Saint's Day Deaths Ben Pastor, The Water Thief, Emperor Diocletian's historian investigates the death of a man drowned in the Nile; #1 in the Aelius Spartianus mystery series. Ben Pastor, The Fire Waker, Emperor Diocletian's historian investigates the case of a man seemingly resurrected from the dead - and then murdered; #2 in the Aelius Spartianus mystery series.
John Maddox Roberts, The Catiline Conspiracy, about a Roman official whose investigation of government corruption endangers the life of his friend; #2 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, The Sacrilege, about a Roman official who discovers a link between an act of sacrilege that disrupts a sacred women's rite and a series of murders; #3 in the SPQR mystery series John Maddox Roberts, The Temple of the Muses, about a Roman official whose diplomatic mission to Egypt is disrupted by murder; #4 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, Saturnalia, about a disgraced Roman called back from exile to investigate a murder during the wild celebration of Saturnalia; #5 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, Nobody Loves a Centurion, about a young Roman who joins Caesar's not-yet-victorious army in Gaul and is assigned to investigate the murder of a centurion hated by all the men serving under him; #6 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, The Tribune's Curse, about a Roman official assigned to investigate the murder of a man who called down a forbidden curse on the army of Crassus; #7 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, The River God's Vengeance, about a Roman official whose investigation of the collapse of a tenement building reveals that someone may have caused it intentionally; #8 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, The Princess and the Pirates, about a Roman official who sets out to rid the Mediterranean Sea of pirates; #9 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, A Point of Law, about a Roman on trial for corruption who suddenly finds himself charged with murder when the man who accused him turns up dead; #10 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, Under Vesuvius, about a Roman official who must find out who killed a priest's daughter in a town near Mount Vesuvius; #11 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, Oracle of the Dead (2008), about a Roman magistrate who investigates the murders of priests of Apollo while he vacations in southern Italy; #12 in the SPQR mystery series. John Maddox Roberts, The Year of Confusion (2010), about a Roman magistrate who investigates the murders of priests of Apollo while he vacations in southern Italy; #13 in the SPQR mystery series.
Steven Saylor, Arms of Nemesis (1992), about a Roman citizen who investigates a case of murder on the estate of the richest man in Rome, as the Spartacan slave revolt stirs tension between Roman slaves and their masters; #2 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, Catilina's Riddle (1993), about a Roman citizen reluctantly drawn back into the city's intrigues when Cicero asks him to find out more about Cicero's rival Catilina; #3 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, The Venus Throw (1995), about a Roman investigator hired by a beautiful and scandalous woman to find out who murdered one of his clients; #4 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, A Murder on the Appian Way (1996), about an investigator asked by Pompey the Great to find out who murdered Publius Clodius; #5 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, Rubicon (1999), about a Roman citizen whom Pompey the Great forces to investigate a murder during the time when Caesar's army crosses the Rubicon into Rome; #6 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, Last Seen in Massilia (2000), about an investigator who tries to find out whether the young woman he has seen fall to her death from Sacrifice Rock was pushed; #7 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, A Mist of Prophecies (2002), about an investigator who becomes obsessed with finding out who murdered the beautiful seeress who dies in his arms; #8 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, The Judgment of Caesar (2004), about a Roman investigator who brings his ailing wife to Egypt for a cure and becomes enmeshed in the struggle between Caesar, Cleopatra and King Ptolemy for control of Egypt; #9 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Steven Saylor, The Triumph of Caesar (2008), about a retired investigator who reluctantly accepts a commission from Julius Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, to look into the rumored assassination plots against her husband; #10 in the Roma Sub Rosa mystery series. Review Steven Saylor, The Seven Wonders (2012), about a clever young Roman's travels to the seven wonders of the ancient world, where he finds a mystery to solve at each landmark; #11 in the Roma Sub Rosa series, and a prequel to the other mysteries. Steven Saylor, Raiders of the Nile (2014), about a clever young Roman's visit to Egypt, where he becomes involved in a project to steal the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great; #12 in the Roma Sub Rosa series. Steven Saylor, Wrath of the Furies (2016), about a young Roman distressed by the news that his hero, the poet Antipater, betrayed Rome by spying for Mithridates, who plans to massacre Romans in his territories; #13 in the Roma Sub Rosa series. Steven Saylor, The Throne of Caesar (2018), about a young Roman distressed by the news that his hero, the poet Antipater, betrayed Rome by spying for Mithridates, who plans to massacre Romans in his territories; #14 in the Roma Sub Rosa series. Steven Saylor, The House of the Vestals (1997), mystery short stories featuring the characters in the Roma Sub Rosa series. Steven Saylor, A Gladiator Dies Only Once (2005), mystery short stories featuring the characters in the Roma Sub Rosa series.
Marilyn Todd, Virgin Territory Marilyn Todd, Man Eater Marilyn Todd, Wolf Whistle Marilyn Todd, Jail Bait Marilyn Todd, Black Salamander Marilyn Todd, Dream Boat Marilyn Todd, Dark Horse, about a beautiful widow who flees trouble in Rome only to have it catch up with her at an Arcadian villa; #8 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series. Marilyn Todd, Second Act Marilyn Todd, Widow's Pique, about a beautiful widow who witnesses a murder; #10 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series. Marilyn Todd, Stone Cold, about a beautiful widow who goes to Gaul to find the truth behind her father's disappearance there when she was a child; #11 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series. Marilyn Todd, Sour Grapes, about a beautiful widow who investigates a series of murders when she visits her stepmother's estate; #12 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series. Marilyn Todd, Scorpion Rising, about a beautiful widow who goes to Gaul to investigate the murder of a child; #13 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
David Wishart, Germanicus (1997), about a cultivated Roman who is alarmed when the Empress Livia asks him for a dangerous favor: to investigate the death of her grandson Germanicus; #2 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Sejanus (1998), about a cultivated Roman who has just buried his father when two senators ask him to investigate Sejanus, the likely successor to the Emperor Tiberius; #3 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, The Lydian Baker David Wishart, Old Bones David Wishart, Last Rites (2001), about a Roman sleuth who needs his wife's help when he's called upon to investigate a possible murder during a night devoted to a woman-only celebration of the rites of the Good Goddess; #6 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, White Murder (2002), about a Roman sleuth who must investigate the murder of a super-star chariot racer; #7 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, A Vote for Murder (2003), about a Roman sleuth who interrupts his holiday in the Alban Hills to investigate the murder of a candidate for consul; #8 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Parthian Shot (2004), about a Roman sleuth who must investigate the attack on a visiting Parthian prince before it results in an international incident; #9 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Food for the Fishes (2005), about a Roman sleuth who investigates the murder of an obnoxious, wealthy fish farmer who was drowned in one of his own eel tanks; #10 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, In at the Death (2007), about a Roman sleuth who investigates a suspicious case of apparent suicide; #11 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Illegally Dead (2008), about a Roman sleuth who investigates a puzzling case of poisoning in Castrimoenium, outside his usual territory; #12 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series David Wishart, Bodies Politic (2010), about a Roman sleuth asked to clear the name of a man forced into suicide by the Emperor Caligula; #13 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, No Cause for Concern (2012), about a Roman sleuth coerced into investigating the death of a crime boss's stepson; #14 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Solid Citizens (2013), about a Roman sleuth who investigates the murder of a respectable citizen beaten to death near a brothel; #15 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Finished Business (2014), about a Roman sleuth whose murder investigation leads him dangerously close to the Emperor Caligula; #16 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Trade Secrets (2007), about a Roman sleuth who investigates two murders, one of a much-disliked man, the other of a body his daughter finds in the Pollio Gardens; #17 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Foreign Bodies (2016), about a Roman sleuth who investigates the stabbing death of a Gallic wine merchant; #18 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Family Commitments (2017), about a Roman sleuth who investigates the death of the partner-in-crime of a man's long-lost brother; #19 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series. David Wishart, Going Back (2018), about a Roman sleuth who investigates the death of a well-connected woman; #20 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series.
Roman Britain
In 43 A.D. under Emperor Claudius, Rome finally added the southeastern part of Britain to its conquests, although the British resistance led by Caratacus slowed the process of westward expansion considerably. The Iceni warrior queen Boudica shocked Rome in 61 A.D. by leading a bloody rebellion. This woman warrior has long fascinated writers and readers of historical novels. The Romans were never able to conquer the Picts in what is now Scotland. They built Hadrian's Wall to discourage tribes to the north from encouraging or assisting rebellions by tribes within Roman territory. During the 400 years of Roman rule, life in most of Britain became thoroughly Romanized. Retired soldiers settled down with British wives, and British chieftains and their families adopted Roman names and served as government officials. The departure of the Roman army in 410 A.D. was no welcome event for most Britons. Orderly government collapsed, and Saxon and Irish raiders attacked the coast and inland settlements along navigable rivers. Historical novelists have written vividly about many periods of Roman Britain, but have especially focused on the conquest period, Boudica's rebellion, and the collapse of Roman rule. Jump to Mystery Novels
Stephen Baxter, Conqueror (2007), alternative history about a girl in Anglo-Saxon Britain on the eve of the Norman Conquest who remembers the prophecy handed down in her family after Vikings destroy the last written copies; #2 in the Time's Tapestry series. Stephen Baxter, Navigator (2007), alternative history about the English and Spanish descendants of a family with memories of a prophecy, during 1492, when Europe's only Muslim state fell and Columbus sailed westward; #3 in the Time's Tapestry series. Stephen Baxter, Weaver (2008), alternative history set in a Nazi-occupied Britain during the 1940s; #4 in the Time's Tapestry series.
Gillian Bradshaw, Island of Ghosts John Henry Clay, The Lion and the Lamb (2013), about a young man in late fourth-century Roman Britain, a time of barbarian invasions from the north. Amanda Cockrell, The Legions of the Mist Richard Denham and M.J. Trow, Britannia: Part I: The Wall William Dietrich, Hadrian's Wall (2004), about a Roman soldier posted on the northern border of Roman Britain during the late fourth century. Alfred Duggan, The Little Emperors (1951), about a treasury official in fifth-century Roman Britain during the crisis leading to Rome's withdrawal. Barbara Erskine, Kingdom of Shadows Barbara Erskine, On the Edge of Darkness (1998), time-slip romance about a sixth-century Celtic girl with magical abilities who travels in time, falls in love with a boy in the 1930s, and becomes trapped in the twentieth century. Barbara Erskine, The Warrior's Princess Barbara Erskine, Time's Legacy Bernardine Evaristo, The Emperor's Babe: A Verse Novel of Londinium, 211 A.D. (2001), a novel in verse form about a daughter of Sudanese immigrants to Roman Britain who has an affair with Emperor Septimius Severus. Alan Fisk, Lord of Silver Pauline Gedge, The Eagle and the Raven (1978), about Caradoc and Boudicca, leaders of the British resistance to Roman rule. Alan Gold, Warrior Queen: The Story of Boudica, Celtic Queen Sarah Harrison, The Dreaming Stones, about women who live near Hadrian's Wall, two of them in modern times and one in Roman Britain. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, The Last Legion, about a small band of soldiers from Britain who travel to the City of Rome in the year 470, as the empire is crumbling, in order to rescue the son of the last emperor and raise him to power. Minnette Meador, The Centurion and the Queen, historical romance about a Roman centurion and a Celtic queen who fall in love at the time of Boudican revolt. Minnette Meador, The Edge of Honor, historical romance about the love between a Roman centurion and a Celtic queen in the aftermath of the Boudican revolt; sequel to The Centurion and the Queen; available as an e-book only. Paul Morgan, The Pelagius Book William Napier, Julia Diana Paxson, White Mare, Red Stallion Stephanie Plowman, To Spare the Conquered Linda Proud, Chariot of the Soul (2018), about the British prince Togidubnus and his role in the Roman conquest of Britain. Review
Anthony Riches, Arrows of Fury Anthony Riches, Fortress of Spears (2011), about a Roman Centurion chosen for a mission in northern Britain beyond Hadrian's Wall, just as agents of the Emperor arrive from Rome with the assignment of assassinating him; #3 in the Empire series. Anthony Riches, The Leopard Sword (2012), about a Roman Centurion who must leave Britain and go to Germania, where he fights to defeat a powerful bandit chieftain; #4 in the Empire series. Anthony Riches, The Wolf's Gold Anthony Riches, The Eagle's Vengeance Anthony Riches, The Emperor’s Knives (2014), about a young centurion who returns to Rome to take revenge on the assassins who killed his family; #7 in the Empire series. Anthony Riches, Thunder of the Gods (2015), about a young centurion sent to Parthia with a dangerously demoralized legion to relieve a siege; #8 in the Empire series. Anthony Riches, Altar of Blood (2016), about a young centurion sent on a risky mission to Germania during the reign of Commodus to capture a priestess; #9 in the Empire series.
Manda Scott, Dreaming the Bull (2004), about Boudica as a young woman during the early years of the Roman conquest of Britain; #2 in the Boudica series. Manda Scott, Dreaming the Hound (2005), about Boudica during the years after the Romans defeat Caradoc, who led the British armies fighting to remain free of Roman rule; #3 in the Boudica series. Manda Scott, Dreaming the Serpent Spear (2006), about Boudica, the queen of the Iceni (or Eceni as Scott spells it) and the rebellion she leads against Rome; #4 in the Boudica series.
George Shipway, Imperial Governor (1968), about the first century rebellion of Queen Boudica, from the perspective of the Roman Governor of Britain. Review James Sinclair, Warrior Queen Joann Smith, Boudicca, about Boudicca (also spelled Boudica) and her rebellion against Rome. Rosemary Sutcliff, The Mark of the Horse Lord (1965), about a freed gladiator who impersonates the king of a northern tribe of Britons as part of a Roman scheme to begin a war between two rival tribes. Review at Mark Adderley's Blog Ilka Tampke, Skin (2016; titled Daughter of Albion in the US), historical fantasy about a foundling girl in Britain shortly before the Roman invasion. Ilka Tampke, Songwoman (2018), historical fantasy about a young woman who, after a Roman attack destroys her home, flees to the Welsh mountains in search of Caradog, the war leader who is leading a guerilla campaign against the Romans; sequel to Skin. Lindsay Townsend, Flavia's Secret (2008), historical romance about a young woman slave who works as a scribe in Aquae Sulis (modern Bath) and finds she is dangerously attracted to her new owner, a Roman soldier.
Henry Treece, The Dark Island Henry Treece, Red Queen, White Queen Henry Treece, The Great Captains
Jules Watson, The Dawn Stag, is a historical fantasy novel set in ancient Scotland (then known as Alba) during the period when Rome was attempting to expand its conquest of Britain northward; the main character is a priestess; #2 in the Dalriada Trilogy. Jules Watson, The Boar Stone (titled Song of the North in the U.S.), is a historical fantasy novel set in ancient Scotland (then known as Alba) during the period when Rome was attempting to expand its conquest of Britain northward; the main character is a priestess; #3 in the Dalriada Trilogy. David Wishart, The Horse Coin Simon Young, Farewell Britannia: A Family Saga of Roman Britain, about four centuries of a family in Roman Britain, from the conquest to the departure of the legions.
Roman Britain: Mystery Novels
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Ruth Downie, Terra Incognita (2008; also titled Ruso and the Demented Doctor Ruth Downie, Persona Non Grata (2009; titled Ruso and the Root of All Evils in the U.K.), a physician for a Roman army legion in Britain is called back to Gaul at a seriously inconvenient time and becomes the chief suspect when a man is poisoned; #3 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso mystery series. Review and Author Interview Ruth Downie, Caveat Emptor (2011; titled Ruso and the River of Darkness in the U.K.), about a Roman physician and his native British wife who must find out who murdered a tax collector in Londinium; #4 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso mystery series. Review Ruth Downie, Semper Fidelis (2013), about a Roman legionary physician in northern Britain who suspects foul play on the eve of a visit from Emperor Hadrian; #5 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso mystery series. Ruth Downie, Tabula Rasa (2016), about a Roman legionary physician posted at Hadrian's Wall in northern Britain whose new clerk goes missing, setting off disturbing rumors; #6 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso mystery series. Ruth Downie, Vita Brevis (2016), about a former Roman legionary physician who moves his family to Rome, where he discovers a corpse in the house where a fellow physician has offered to let the family stay; #7 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso mystery series.
Jane Finnis, A Bitter Chill (2005), about an innkeeper in first century Roman Britain whose Saturnalia celebration is disrupted by murder; #2 in the Aurelia Marcella mystery series. Review Jane Finnis, Buried too Deep (2008), about an innkeeper in first century Roman Britain whose brother's assignment of salvaging a shipwrecked cargo is complicated by murder; #3 in the Aurelia Marcella mystery series.
Rosemary Rowe, Murder in the Forum (2000), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who suspects foul play when a brutal favorite of the Emperor chokes on a nut at a dinner party and two dinner guests disappear soon after; #2 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, A Pattern of Blood (2001), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who investigates an attack on a wealthy decurion, soon followed by the decurion's murder; #3 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, The Chariots of Calyx (2002), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who has difficulty concentrating on the murder he has been asked to investigate in Londinium after he catches a glimpse of his former wife, lost years ago to slavery; #4 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, The Legatus Mystery (2003), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who must investigate the bizarre murder of a Roman ambassador followed by an outbreak of uncanny wailing noises and mysterious bloodstains; #5 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, The Ghosts of Glevum (2004), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who must investigate when a dinner guest is found dead in the vomitorium; #6 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, Enemies of the Empire (2005), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who is in no position to refuse when his patron asks him along on a trip to the fringes of the Empire, in country where the Silurian tribes have not forgotten the betrayal and defeat of Caractacus; #7 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, A Roman Ransom (2006), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who is rousted from his sickbed to find a man's missing wife and baby son; #8 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, A Coin for the Ferryman (2007), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who must investigate when a corpse is discovered just as a ceremony is about to begin granting a slave his freedom and marriage to the woman he loves; #9 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, Death at Pompeia's Wedding (2008), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who is hired to exonerate a bride who seems to have confessed to murdering her father on her wedding day; #10 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, Requiem for a Slave (2010), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who must interrupt his regular work to find a killer after a murdered pie-maker is found in his workshop; #11 in the Libertus mystery series. Rosemary Rowe, The Vestal Vanishes (2011), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who must find out why a former vestal virgin vanishes on the eve of her wedding; #12 in the Libertus mystery series.
Kelli Stanley, The Curse-Maker (2011), about a Roman physician who goes to Bath for a holiday with his wife and investigates the murder of a professional curse-maker; #2 in the Roman Noir series. Ancient Ireland
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(1996), about two brothers faced with the choice between the spiritual appeal of Christianity and the power of earthly politics during the early rule of Constantine the Great.
(1974), about a disgraced centurion's efforts to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a legate while Augustus is ailing and the Empire's future is in doubt. 
(1999), about Julia Caesaris, the daughter of Augustus Caesar.
(1961), cover copy: "The throbbing story of the mad Caesar whose lust for flesh and blood wrought a reign of violence unequaled in history."
(2015), about three young people in Gaul as the Roman Empire is failing who dream its greatness can be restored, while Attila the Hun prepares to attack.
(2006), about Macrina the Elder, an Orthodox saint who lived in the fourth century and fled the Roman empire's persecution of Christians; Christian message.
(2013), about a shepherd boy, the emperor's mistress and an aspiring writer during a time of plague in Ephesus in 166 AD.
(1996), about a high priest in Carthage sent to Rome as a spy for Hannibal.
(2005), about a Roman magistrate during the reign of Vespasian investigating the fledgling Christian movement and the rumors that a Jewish man has risen from the dead.
(2008), about the young Livia, who would become the wife of Augustus Caesar; #1 in the planned Empress of Rome trilogy. 
(1950), about Emperor Julian, who tried to revive paganism after the two previous emperors had made Christianity Rome's official religion.
(2012), an occult adventure about a Roman centurion in 64 A.D. searching for a relic of Isis, a disappearance in war-torn Berlin in 1945, and two present-day investigators.
(1958), about the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, the assassination of Caesar, and the government of the triumvirs from the perspective of Lepidus, who served as triumvir with Antony and Octavian. 
, about the Roman Emperor Elagabalus. 
(1901), about a Byzantine slave of the Huns; based on the historical account of the Byzantine diplomat Priscus about his visit to the court of Attila the Hun.
(1955), about a young Roman soldier's attempt to recover the legionary eagle standards lost in the disastrous Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. 
(2005), about a man who hunts animals for Roman gladiatorial contests and undertakes a dangerous mission north of the Alps in 34 A.D.
(1983; titled The Quirinal Affair in the UK), a thriller set in ancient Rome that revolves around a strange new religious cult, the Christians.
(2003), a thriller exploring the possibility that Nero survived beyond the date he was believed to have died.
(1965), about an actor who, after becoming a gladiator, is recruited to impersonate Emperor Nero.
(1981), about the rivalry of two half-brothers in the Roman legions posted in Germania during the reign of Vespasian; Damion Hunter is a pen name of Amanda Cockrell; #1 in the Centurions series.
(1982), about the rivalry of two half-brothers in the Roman legions as one is assigned to escort a barbarian princess; Damion Hunter is a pen name of Amanda Cockrell; #2 in the Centurions series.
(1984), the careers of two half-brothers in the Roman legions diverge as one fights pirates in Gaul and the eruption of Vesuvius looms; Damion Hunter is a pen name of Amanda Cockrell; #3 in the Centurions series.
(2010), about a Roman tribune who leads a defending band of Roman military veterans under attack by Boudica and her British rebels; #1 in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series.
(1981), about a first century Greek courtesan whose clients include the son of Emperor Tiberius and the powerful captain of the Praetorian Guard, Sejanus.
(first published 1963 as 
under the pen name Jay Scotland), about the Second Punic War between Carthage and Rome.
(1976), a novel which imagines that the Roman satirist Juvenal led a military expedition to conquer Ireland.
, about the poet Catullus and his love affair with Clodia; #1 in the Key trilogy, but can be read as a standalone. 
, about a young politician who must choose whether to support Julius Caesar or Pompey the Great in their struggle for power in Rome; #3 in the Key trilogy.
, about a hermaphrodite Goth, his travels through the crumbling fifth century Roman empire, and his friendship with the Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great.
(2014), about two friends fighting on opposite sides during the Roman siege of Syracuse in 213 B.C.; #3 in the Hannibal series.
(2015), about a handful of Roman soldiers who survive the massacre of the army brought by Varus into Germany in 9 AD; #1 in the Eagles of Rome series.
(1939), about the slave revolt led by Spartacus. 
, about two young patricians during the time of the Roman Republic who swear loyalty to each other and to Rome; #1 in the Republic trilogy.
, about a corrupt Roman senator during the time of the Republic; #2 in the Republic trilogy.
, about the heir to a powerful Roman senator as danger mounts from Rome's Celtic enemies; #3 in the Republic trilogy.
, about the first emperor of Rome; #1 in the author's Imperial series.
(1991), about Augustus' successor as emperor of Rome; #2 in the author's Imperial series.
, about the rise of Julius Caesar; #3 in the author's Imperial series.
(1997), about Mark Antony, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar, and his struggle with Octavian for leadership in Rome after Caesar's death.
(2003), a sympathetic portrayal of one of the most emotionally disturbed Roman emperors.
(1999), about the "year of the three emperors" after the death of Nero.
(2011), about the youth Antinous of Bithynia and his seven-year affair with Emperor Hadrian.
(1996), historical romance about a Germanic priestess and a Celtic chieftain forced into slavery in ancient Rome.
(2012), about a senator's daughter and a former gladiator who remain loyal to Emperor Trajan even as his fall approaches; #3 in the Mistress of Rome series.
(1971), about a young Roman during the disintegration of the Roman Empire.
(2015), about a centurion sent north of Hadrian's Wall during the reign of Constantine to negotiate with the Picts in a mission that turns bloody; #1 in the Twilight of Empire series.
(2015), about a centurion in the time of Constantine who is ordered back from Britain and promoted to the Emperor's bodyguard, but finds himself caught up in a conspiracy against the Emperor; #2 in the Twilight of Empire series.
(1979), about a Roman soldier present at the crucifixion and doomed to remain alive until the second coming of Christ; #1 in the Eternal Mercenary series.
(2007), about a Roman soldier doomed to remain alive until the second coming of Christ, who fights in the Civil War; #26 in the Eternal Mercenary series.
(2008), about a Roman soldier doomed to remain alive until the second coming of Christ, who battles against a Thuggee sect with stolen nuclear weapons and a device which allows them to become invisible; #29 in the Eternal Mercenary series.
(2009), about a Roman soldier doomed to remain alive until the second coming of Christ, who fights for the French in the 1812 campaign against Russia; #30 in the Eternal Mercenary series. 
(2009), about a Roman soldier doomed to remain alive until the second coming of Christ, who fights during the Norman invasion of England in 1066; #31 in the Eternal Mercenary series.
(2013), about a Roman legionary who must reluctantly remain in the city to train a young gladiator; features the Macro character from the Eagle series. 
(1965), about the first Roman emperor to adopt Christianity.
(1995), about an imperial legate to Judea and a centurion drawn to the teachings of Jesus during the period before and after the crucifixion; Christian message.
(2011), about a Christian girl in Roman Gaul in 486 A.D. near the fall of the Roman Empire who travels to Soissons in search of her father.
(1978), #3 in the Gladiators series.
(1978), about Constantine's military campaign to rule the entire Roman Empire and his conversion to Christianity, told in the form of documents and journal entries by various characters.
(1990), about a family in third-century Rome after Emperor Aurelian builds a wall around the city.
(2012), about Aulus Caecina Severus, a hero of the war against Boudica, who joins a conspiracy to overthrow Caesar's dynasty in 69 A.D.
(original Finnish edition 1955; first English edition 1956), about a young Etruscan man and his spiritual development as he travels through Greece and Italy in the fifth century B.C.
(2011), about a former gladiatrix who finds her new life of luxury unsatisfying and is invited back to the arena to fight the new Gladiatarix Prima; #2 in the Gladiatrix series.
(1995), about the ancient Roman poet who wrote the Aeneid.
(1996), about the Roman Emperor Nero from the perspective of his "Advisor on Taste."
, about the seventh son of a Roman aristocrat assigned to guard a Christian princess after his family is murdered during the time of Nero; #1 in the Septimus Quistus mystery series
, about a Roman lawyer investigating a series of murders of Stoic philosophers; #1 in the Livinius Severus mystery series
(2010), a guide to the Falco mystery series.
(2002), a sympathetic mystery novel about Agrippina the Younger, the wife of Emperor Claudius and mother of Nero; #1 in the Ancient Rome series.
(2014), a mystery with multiple timelines including three love stories set in the early days of the Roman Empire, the Holocaust in Italy. and the present day.
(2012), about the Celtic wife of a Roman officer who must make a dangerous journey to prove her husband innocent of treason and solve the murders of two slaves.
, a mystery set in the fifth century Roman Empire, #3 in the Getorius and Arcadia mystery series.
, about a former prostitute married to a wealthy Roman, who must find out who is killing her new clients; #1 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a former prostitute, now widowed, who accepts the job of escorting a vestal virgin back to her family, only to find out the woman is not all she seems; #2 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a beautiful widow who finds herself accused of murder; #3 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a beautiful widow who investigates the murder of five slave girls; #4 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a beautiful widow who begins a flirtation that ends in murder; #5 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a beautiful widow who accepts the job of carrying a pouch to Gaul and finds herself entangled in a treasonous plot; #6 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a former prostitute, now widowed, who must find her kidnapped teenage stepdaughter; #7 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
, about a beautiful widow who helps an investigator try to stop a serial rapist during the holiday season of Saturnalia; #9 in the Claudia Seferius mystery series.
(1998), #4 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series.
(2000), about a cultivated Roman who must clear his father-in-law of a murder charge, a project which uncovers a case of wine fraud and worse; #5 in the Marcus Corvinus mystery series.
(1989), a scholarly blend of fact and fiction portraying a year in the life of a British woman married to a retired Roman soldier in York.
(1998), about a Sarmatian prince who, while serving in the Roman legions in Britain during the rule of Marcus Aurelius, uncovers a potentially dangerous conspiracy.
(2014), about four soldiers stationed at Hadrian's Wall in 367 A.D. when it comes under attack from the north.
(2008), about a present-day London woman whose life becomes mysteriously entwined with that of a Celtic princess who lived through the battle in which Caratacus was defeated by the invading Romans.
(2010), about a modern-day woman priest in England who slips 2000 years back in time after she begins seeing a ghostly congregation in the Anglican church she serves and her superior accuses her of witchcraft. 
(2005), about Boudica and her rebellion against Rome in 61 A.D.
(2005), about the fifth century Celtic philosopher Pelagius, who rejected the doctrine of original sin and was condemned for originating what became known as the Pelagian Heresy.
(1960), about a young Roman officer serving in Britain during the rebellion of Boudica; the author intended this novel for adult readers, although the publisher promoted it for teens.
(2010), about a Roman centurion posted at Hadrian's Wall whose fellow soldiers may be as dangerous to him as the rebellious Britons if they discover that the Emperor wants him dead; #2 in the Empire series.
(2012), about Roman auxiliaries sent to the Danube to protect the gold mines of Alburnus Major from a Sarmatian attack; #5 in the Empire series.
(2013), about Roman auxiliaries sent north of Hadrian's Wall in Brittania to recover a lost legionary eagle; #6 in the Empire series.
(1977), about Boudica (called Boadicea in this novel) and her military general.
(1956; titled 
in the U.S.), about the arrival of the Celts in Britain; #1 (chronologically by setting) in the Celtic series.
(1952; titled 
in the U.S.), about the defeat of Caratacus by the Romans after their invasion of Britain; #2 (chronologically by setting) in the Celtic series.
(1958; titled 
in the U.S.), about Boudica and the rebellion she led against Rome; #3 (chronologically by setting) in the Celtic series.
(1956), a realistic story of King Arthur and the struggle of Celtic Britain to survive after the departure of the Romans; #4 (chronologically by setting) in the Celtic series.
(1999), about a mosaic-maker in second century Roman Britain who investigates a case of murder for his patron, only to have his main suspect turn up murdered as well; #1 in the Libertus mystery series.
, based on ancient legends about Connla and the Irish afterworld.
(2006), historical fantasy about the coming of the Celts to Ireland and their conflicts with the Danu, the ancient "little people" of Ireland.
(2001), about a sixth-century Irish woman who gives up her dream of a life in the church when she saves three orphaned children from slavery and marries in order to provide them with a family; Christian message; #2 in the Fires of Gleannmara series.
(2002), about a seventh-century Irish princess who becomes the captive and bride of a Saxon prince and the reason he rediscovers his mother's Christian faith; #3 in the Fires of Gleannmara series.
(1961), about a senior Hittite general in 1275 B.C. and his political and military challenges in 1275 BC as he fights the Egyptians under Ramses II and forces them to withdraw at the Battle of Kadesh. 
(2011), about Ahmose, wife of Thutmose II and mother of Hatshepsut; #1 in the planned She-King series; self-published. 
(1958), about Hatshepsut, the woman pharaoh who ruled Egypt in the fifteenth century B.C.
(2011), about an Egyptian fisherman's daughter forced into slavery who falls in love with Joseph (of the Bible story) shortly before he is thrown into prison.
(1999), an Egyptian police commander wonders whether four mysterious killings are the work of men or gods; #3 in the Lieutenant Bak mystery series
(2003), a prequel about Lieutenant Bak's first case, in which he hesitates to condemn a woman who appears to have killed her husband; #7 in the Lieutenant Bak mystery series
(2004), about a judge who discovers a plot to overthrow the pharaoh but is sent to a prison camp on a false charge before he can complete his investigation; #2 in the Judge of Egypt trilogy.
(2004), about a chief magistrate and his wife trying to solve a murder and halt a conspiracy to overthrow the pharaoh; #3 in the Judge of Egypt trilogy.
(2007), about a young scribe who finds his boss and fellow scribes murdered at their workplace; #1 in the Vengeance of the Gods series.
(2008), about a young scribe unjustly accused of murder while Egypt is threatened in different ways by both Greece and Persia; #2 in the Vengeance of the Gods series.
(2013), a mystery about a young woman aspiring to be a scholar in first-century Alexandria who tries to find out who stole a valuable alchemical scroll.
(1956), about Zenobia of Palmyra, the third century queen who went to war with Rome during the time of Emperor Aurelian.
(2012), about a young man in ancient Mesopotamia who flees his clan when his family is murdered, and a young woman who is captured and enslaved after a similar experience; #1 in the Eskkar Saga.
(2011), about Mary Magdalen after the death of Jesus; #3 in the Maeve Chronicles series.
(1980), about the Old Testament patriarch Abraham; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #1 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1981), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #2 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1983), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #3 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1986), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #5 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1986), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #6 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1988), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #9 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1990), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #12 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1992), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by George Warren, the author of the first 14 books in this series; #14 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1993), based on Old Testament stories; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by Franklin King for this novel; #15 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1993), based on Old Testament stories about King Saul's wars against the Philistines; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by Hugh Zachary, the author of #16-18 in this series; #16 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1994), based on the Old Testament story of King Saul and David; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by Hugh Zachary, the author of #16-18 in this series; #17 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1995), based on Old Testament stories about King David; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by Hugh Zachary, the author of #16-18 in this series; #18 in the Children of the Lion series.
(1996), based on Old Testament stories about King David's wars; Christian message; Peter Danielson was a pen name used by James Reasoner for this novel; #19 in the Children of the Lion series.
(2001), a retelling of the story of Genesis through Noah and the Flood, narrated by the angel Adiel.
(1948), about the revolt of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BC., the event commemorated by the Hanukkah festival.
(2010), about a young woman of ancient Judah who escapes and survives in the hills after the Assyrians vanquish the city of Lachish.
(2001), about Jezebel, the Phoenician princess condemned for promiscuity in the Bible.
(1998), about a slave girl in ancient Egypt who falls in love with her fellow slave, the Hebrew outcast Joseph; Christian message; #1 in the Legacies of the Ancient River series.
(2004), a retelling of the Gospel story from the perspective of Simon Barjona, whom Jesus renames Peter.
(1994 in the original Hebrew, first English translation 2008), a retelling of the Old Testament story of Daniel, who is exiled from his native Judea and rises to a position of power in Babylon, where his destiny of becoming God's prophet is fulfilled.
(2015), about a girl in pre-Islam Arabia who disguises herself as a boy in order to live in greater freedom, but then falls in love and must choose between love and the freedom she has known.
(1950), about the young Jewish woman who becomes the wife of King Ahasuerus.
(2006), a reimagining of the story of Judas, the betrayer of Jesus.
(2015), about the Apostle Peter and Paul of Damascus, who led rival factions of Jesus' followers after the crucifixion.
(2016), about a woman who survives the mass suicide at Masada, and three generations of her descendants.
(original Finnish edition 1959; English translation 1961), about a Roman citizen traveling in Jerusalem whose experience of Jesus's crucifixion leads him to study Jesus's life and convert to Christianity.
(original Finnish edition 1964; English edition 1966), about the son of a Roman convert to Christianity whose travels bring him from Rome, where a boyhood friendship with Nero brings him uncomfortably close to the emperor, to Greece, Britain and Jerusalem; sequel to The Secret of the Kingdom.