Books matching: roman history
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'Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar' by Tom Holland delves into the history of the Julio Claudian Dynasty, covering the reigns of emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the political intrigues, personal lives, and vices of these emperors, showcasing how power can corrupt character and influence the course of history. Holland skillfully weaves together narratives of the emperors with insights into the societal norms and everyday life in ancient Rome, creating a captivating portrayal of this tumultuous period in Roman history.
Holland's writing style is praised for being highly readable and engaging, offering a mix of historical facts and personal observations that bring the characters to life. The author avoids falling into tropes and conjecture, presenting a well-researched and accessible account of the Julio Claudian era. Readers appreciate the pacing of the book, as it transitions smoothly from one emperor to the next, maintaining a level of intrigue and historical depth that keeps them engrossed in the narrative.
AD 40. It is early in the year. Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus sits on a lofty platform beside the Ocean. As waves break on the shore and spray hangs in the air, he gazes out to sea. Many Rom...The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon is a monumental six-volume work that traces the trajectory of Western Civilization from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. Gibbon, a sterling prose stylist, offers a narrative voice that is dense yet rewarding, with a focus on the inexorable collapse of the Roman Empire and the influence of Christianity. The book is known for its magnificent scholarship, historical scope, and Gibbon's sharp wit.
In the second century of the Christian æra, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guar...- #3
Save:"The Twelve Caesars" by Michael Grant is a modern reinterpretation of the major sources of information about the early Roman Empire, focusing on the twelve rulers profiled by the ancient Roman historian Suetonius. Grant revisits these rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian, discussing them from the standpoint of modern scholarship and supplementing Suetonius' account with additional sources like Tacitus, Juvenal, and Plutarch. delves into the backbreaking duty of being a Roman Emperor, portraying the complexity of the Caesars as multi-faceted characters who all started with good intentions but were ultimately broken by the responsibilities of their rule.
'Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain' by Charlotte Higgins is a captivating blend of travel narrative, Roman history exploration, and literary musings. The book follows Higgins and her boyfriend as they traverse Roman Britain's sites, delving into the history, artifacts, and people connected to this ancient era. Higgins weaves together stories of eccentric antiquarians, reflections on the impact of Roman presence on Britain's towns and countryside, and personal experiences of visiting monumental sites like Hadrian's Wall and various castles. Her prose is described as clever, clear, and natural, creating a compelling narrative that combines erudition and enthusiasm on every page.
The book also delves into the cultural and historical significance of Britain's Roman past, reflecting on how the Romans shaped the country's architecture, culture, and history. Higgins' exploration is not just a geographical journey but a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Roman influence on Britain, sparking a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for this often overlooked part of British history. Through her engaging writing style and meticulous research, Higgins brings to life the complexities and richness of Roman Britain, making the reader eager to explore the sites and stories she uncovers.
Finis erat orbis ora Gallici litoris, nisi Brittania insula non qualibet amplitudine nomen paene orbis alterius mereretur. (The shore of Gaul was the end of the world, unless the island of Britain, by...- #5
Save:Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina is a continuation of the story of Roman Emperor Claudius, following his ascension to the throne after the demise of Caligula. The book delves into Claudius's struggles to restore Rome to its former grandeur amidst political turmoil and personal betrayals. Set in the backdrop of ancient Rome, the narrative unfolds through a mix of historical accuracy and fictional elements, portraying Claudius's attempts to navigate the complexities of ruling an empire while dealing with treachery within his own circle.
The writing style of Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina is a blend of historical fiction and autobiography, offering readers an immersive experience into the world of ancient Rome. Through intricate details and compelling characterizations, the author, Robert Graves, weaves a narrative that explores themes of power, deception, and the enduring struggles of leadership in a tumultuous era.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Claudius ) - #6
Save:'Cleopatra: A Life' by Stacy Schiff delves into the life of the enigmatic Egyptian queen, Cleopatra VII. The narrative reconstructs Cleopatra's struggles for survival amidst family intrigues and her famous relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The author, Stacy Schiff, blends historical facts with speculation to unravel the truth behind Cleopatra's life, while acknowledging the challenges of interpreting a figure whose history has been shaped by conquerors and myths.
AMONG THE MOST famous women to have lived, Cleopatra VII ruled Egypt for twenty-two years. She lost a kingdom once, regained it, nearly lost it again, amassed an empire, lost it all. A goddess as a ch... - #7
Save:'Family Favourites' by Alfred Duggan is a historical fiction novel that delves into the bizarre life of the teenage Roman emperor Elagabalus. The story is narrated from the perspective of a Roman soldier named Duratius, who becomes the emperor's bodyguard and witnesses the eccentricities of Elagabalus' court, filled with scandalous behavior, power struggles among powerful women in his family, and the inevitable downfall of the young emperor. Duggan's writing style is described as witty and cynical, with sharply drawn characters and crisp dialogue that immerses the reader in the intriguing world of ancient Rome.
The novel provides historically accurate descriptions of the culture clash between Elagabalus and the Roman senate, featuring scenes of orgies, exotic feasts, and bizarre religious practices. While some readers find the portrayal of Elagabalus as a naive innocent manipulated by his family unconvincing, others appreciate Duggan's ability to stick to historical facts while weaving an engrossing and entertaining story set in a forgotten era of Roman history.
You may think it odd that a mere Praetorian can write easily enough to compose his memoirs; in general we are a rough lot. But then, though I am proud of my standing as a veteran, there can be no deny... - #8
Save:"Antony and Cleopatra" in the series "Masters of Rome" by Colleen McCullough is a historical fiction novel that delves into the power struggles and intrigues between key historical figures such as Mark Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian Augustus Caesar. The story is filled with detailed historical information, focusing on the post civil war triumvirate and the interactions between the characters. portrays Antony's downfall, his relationship with Cleopatra, and the political landscape of Ancient Rome.
The narrative style of the book is described as detailed and informative, providing insights into the characters' personalities and motivations. The writing captures the historical events of Rome and the struggle for dominance between Octavian and Antony, making the story engaging and captivating for readers interested in Roman history and political intrigue.
Quintus Dellius was not a warlike man, nor a warrior when in battle. Whenever possible he concentrated upon what he did best, namely to advise his superiors so subtly that they came to believe the ide...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Masters of Rome ) - #9
Save:"The Iron Hand of Mars" in the Marcus Didius Falco series by Lindsey Davis follows the adventures of Marcus Didius Falco as he is sent to Germany on a mission for Emperor Vespasian. The plot unfolds as Falco navigates through the challenges of Roman military campaigns in German tribal territories, searching for a missing general and a rebel while encountering religious sects and unraveling intrigues. The story is rich in historical detail, providing an enthralling look into the life of a Roman soldier in the wilderness and the atmosphere of Germania from a Roman perspective.
The writing style of Lindsey Davis brings ancient Rome to life, portraying a vivid picture of the Roman Empire and its workings during the time of Vespasian. The narrative is filled with witty and charming characters, including the protagonist Falco, who is depicted as a reluctant hero navigating through murder, intrigue, and politics in the wilderness of northern Europe. Davis skillfully weaves research-rich descriptions into a compelling story that offers a fresh perspective on the Roman Empire.
We were in bed at my apartment, high up on the Aventine. A real sixth-floor bughole—only most bugs grew tired of walking upstairs before they ever got this far. I passed them sometimes, flaked out on ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Marcus Didius Falco ) - #10
Save:'The Seven Wonders' by Steven Saylor follows a young Gordianus and his tutor, Antipater of Sidon, on a journey to visit the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Each wonder serves as a backdrop for a mystery that Gordianus solves, showcasing his early character development and his path to becoming the Finder. is filled with historical details, educational insights, and a subplot of growing resentment against Rome, providing a rich and immersive reading experience for fans of ancient mystery stories.
