Books On rome

[Scipio]

Does anybody know of any good roman history novels? ive read about the punic wars and Sullas time Im wantingmaybe a book on eary roman or roman downfall. Also a book on the legend of romulus and remus. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Aurelian]

Hey Scipio,

Just a couple of novels off the top of my head:

Julian - by Gore Vidal
Excellent novel about Julian the Apostate. Besides fighting the Germans on the Rhine and launching an invasion of Persia, Julian tried to resist the complete Christianization of the Empire.

The Antagonists (also published as Masada)
I can't remember the author's name, but this is the novel that the early 1980's mini-series Masada was based on. Tells the story of the siege of the desert mountain fortress Masada where the remaining Jewish Zealot forces held out against the Romans after the fall of Jerusalem. The story is told through the eyes of the Roman and Zealot commanders.

I, Claudius and Claudius the God - Robert Graves
Based on Suetonius Lives of the Twelve Caesars, these two novels tell the story of the first ruling dynasty of the Roman Empire from Augustus to the ascension of Nero. Classics. Turned into a BBC mini-series in the 1970's.

Belisarius - also by Robert Graves
Somewhat similar to I, Claudius in that it relies heavily on ancient texts. Belisarius is the story of the great Roman general who, during the reign of Justinian, retook Africa and Italy for the empire (from the Vandals and Ostrogoths).

He Died Old - by Alfred Duggan
This is the story of Mithridates of Pontus and how he defied Rome through three wars during the late Republic. More popular history than novel, but quite good.

Hope those are helpful

[Scipio]

For the last one mithridates betrays rome? Damn thats just were Iv left off. I think im thinking of the right guy. Is he the king that gave Caesar his fleet in Caesars first mision? Isnt he gay?

[Aurelian]

I think it's a different Mithradates. Had to 'Google' it to be sure. But, if you think it will help the dramatic tension of the story... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[eddeduck]

Hi, m'names eddeduck and I is a newbe
Im reading caesars, Conquest of Gaul at the moment, Its not a novel but Im finding it extreamly interesting to see his side. It gives an account of the tactics of the battles as well as the political exchanges that took place. I also find it very easy to read. The editition I have was published by Penguin Classics But it is about 50 years old but It might still be on sale somewhere.
Hope no one finds this to boring.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/dizzy.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
Ps Up the Darkness

[Scipio]

Thx ya I look into it its always nice to know roman strategy as a prep for rtw http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[motorhead]

Aurelian: at least a few of the books you cite are fictional.
At Barnes&Noble Julian by Gore Vidal, I, Claudius, Belisarius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves are all listed as fiction. While based upon some real events, much of the novel is just made up by Graves and has no historical accuracy. I loved the BBC adaptations but what a bummer when I found out it was mostly historical soap opera.

I would recommend Caesar's Legion by Stephen Dando Collins. It follows the military career of Caesar and follows his elite 'Legio X' past his death to about 120 A.D. Very honest in pointing out where events are supported and others are mere speculation due to lack of sources. Just started reading Caesar against the Celts by Ramon Jimenez. So far it doesn't read as well as the previous history.