Historical Fiction Books About Ancient Rome You Must Read

by | Sep 14, 2024 | Historical Perspectives: Christianity in the Roman Empire | 0 comments

Photo by iftikharalam

Finding the best historical fiction books about ancient Rome to read is an endeavor that a lot of us would like to do, especially for the history buffs out there.

Ancient Rome is such a fascinating setting for historical fiction. With all its interesting facets, like gladiator duels, sneaky senators, and numerous decadence, many writers have written countless historical fiction novels about it. I’m one of those writers myself, but I chose to take a different route in my historical fiction about ancient Rome.

In my book, the main theme revolves around why we should search for the truth. It’s done so in the same manner that Lucius (the main character) is doing. With that said, I invite everyone to take a look at the list I made below with some of the best ancient Roman historical fiction books that I’ve gathered.

Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey “A Man’s Search for Truth” by Rev. Michael H. Lavery

image of Lucius being one of the best historical fiction books about ancient Rome
Photo from Rev. Michael H. Lavery

Hey everyone! I’m Rev. Michael H. Lavery. In my book Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey, “A Man’s Search for Truth,” Lucius is a Roman soldier renowned for his military prowess. He comes from a lineage whose history dates back to the founding of Rome. As a member of the iron fist that upholds Caesar’s authority, he is devoted to the dictator.

But Lucius has mixed feelings about his role. On the one hand, he serves Caesar. On the other hand, he detests the imperial power thirst. This is because their idea of peace invariably results in the need for further fighting.

As an elderly soldier, Lucius searches for the truth but questions its existence. Then, however, comes the crucial reassignment that would set him squarely in the path of the truth-teller.

The story I’m telling with Lucius is one of seeking the truth in God’s name. God’s truth is eternal and undeniable; it should be the only thing we should all be looking for. I guarantee that any reader will be hooked on the storyline of this novel.

The Course of Honor by Lindsey Davis

image of The Course of Honor among the best historical fiction books about ancient Rome
Photo from Goodreads

Lindsey Davis’s The Course of Honor is set in the turbulent first century of ancient Rome. It’s among the best historical fiction books about ancient Rome. Since this historical fiction about ancient Rome was set in the timeline chosen by the author, everything was characterized by the instability of the Year of the Four Emperors and the cruel and brutal reigns of Claudius, Tiberius, Nero, and Caligula.

If you’re looking for a historical fiction novel centered around ancient Rome, add The Course of Honor!

Hannibal: Enemy of Rome (Hannibal #1) by Ben Kane

image of Hannibal Enemy of Rome showing what great historical fiction books about ancient Rome look like
Photo from Goodreads

The compelling and action-packed book Hannibal: Enemy of Rome by Ben Kane transports readers to the turbulent Second Punic Wars. As Hanno and Quintus, two young boys, are ripped apart by the intense rivalry between Rome and Carthage, Kane takes us on an engrossing journey.

Even though they are not the same, the lads develop a friendship that will be put to the test. Their test of friendship takes place when the Carthaginian leader Hannibal Barca leads his troops across the Alps to attack the center of the Roman Republic. For lovers of historical fiction and military epic tales alike, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome is a must-read. Its intricately portrayed battle scenes, multifaceted characters, and high stakes.

Shadow of the Eagle (The Borderlands #1) by Damion Hunter

image of Shadow of the Eagle depicting awesome historical fiction books about ancient Rome
Photo from Goodreads

The child of a Roman father and a British mother, Faustus Valerianus, was sold as a spoil of war during Cladius’ invasion. Faustus sells the family estate and joins General Agricola in his mission to conquer the last free areas of the British Isles. This takes place after his parents pass away within a month of one another.

In the shadow of the Caledonian mountains, Faustus must deal with fierce Britons and the harsh environment. This leads to one of the most legendary conflicts in antiquity. But Faustus would find himself divided between his Roman heritage and the call of his mother’s people deep within enemy territory.

Get to Read These Interesting Historical Fiction Books About Ancient Rome Today

When it comes to your craving for historical fiction about ancient Rome, I hope that this list I made can help you out. Enjoy the tales that my book and the others listed here offers. Pick one and get the reading experience you’re looking for!

Click here to purchase a copy of my book, Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey, “A Man’s Search for Truth,” and start learning about Lucius’s journey of looking for the truth!

Read More

Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire: The Cost of Conquest

Statue of a Roman Emperor, depicting the rise and fall of the Roman Empire | Photo by Fatih Altuntaş The Roman Empire, from its origins to its peak in 117 AD, expanded across three continents, leaving an indelible mark on law, governance, and culture. The Romans...

Past’s Timeless Tales: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

Photo by Roi Solomon on Unsplash It is definite how the rich stories of the past, historical fiction books, bear a particular sensation, somewhat like time travel, that powerfully depicts the past's timeless tales. Being able to dive into various eras from the past...

Daily Life in Ancient Rome: From Patricians to Plebeians

Photo by Green Liu on Unsplash Imagine walking through the bustling streets of the Roman Forum, where merchants shout their prices, senators in togas debate policies, and slaves rush to fulfill their masters’ orders. This vivid scene is often depicted in historical...

The Fall of Rome: Lessons from the End of an Era

Palatine Hill, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy | Photo by Himmel S on Unsplash The fall of Rome remains one of the most significant events in world history, marking the end of a powerful empire that shaped Western civilization.But, what caused the fall...

Ancient Rome Facts: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

Photo by Chait Goli Are you among those intrigued by the history, particularly about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire? In that case, look no further because in this article, we will delve into and explore some Ancient Rome facts that will pique your curiosity....

Sol Adhuc Transit: On the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

Photo by ugur uğur The Roman Empire is one of history's most enduring and consequential civilizations. Without its existence, the world of today would be quite different. It spanned centuries and continents and left an indelible mark on the world. It's no wonder why...

Roman Legions and Early Church Christians – A History

Photo by Caio Fernandes The historical novel Lucius is a story of a soldier facing a fateful reassignment that sets him on a quest for spiritual truth. It’s a tale that strikes at the heart of the great dilemma faced by many legionaries during the Pax Romana. For much...

The Roman Legion Marches Across the World: Veni, Vedi, Veci!

Photo by Angela Chacón Without the Roman Army, there would not have been the Roman Empire. It was the formidability of the Roman Legion that help shaped the Ancient Western World. The Roman Army was a marvel of military organization and discipline, where countless...

3 Solid Reasons Why Christianity is Part of Roman History

Photo by Yaopey Yong The story of Lucius is about a Roman soldier in search of truth. And in the book, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire are two very distant events. Instead, it touches heavily on the rise of Christianity as it was beginning to go beyond the...

The Enduring Legacy of the Roman Empire: Its Impact on Contemporary Society

Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay The legacy of the Roman Empire lives on not only through its achievements but also in the valuable lessons it imparts. We can use these insights to build more just, resilient, and sustainable societies by...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

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

Share This
Skip to content