Historical novels arranged by the period of their setting

Rome as a Kingdom

''If you know of works set in the pre-Republican era, please expand this section.'' * ''Founding Fathers'' (1959) by

Alfred Duggan Alfred Duggan (born Alfredo León Duggan; 1903–1964) was an English historian and archaeologist, and a well-known historical novelist in the 1950s. His novels are known for meticulous historical research. Background Though brought up in Brita ...

. Originally titled ''Children of the Wolf'', this novel tells the story of King Romulus and the founding of Rome through the eyes of a variety of characters who come to the new city. * Roma (2007) by

Steven Saylor Steven Saylor (born March 23, 1956) is an American author of historical novels. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classics. Saylor's best-known work is his '' Roma Sub Rosa'' historical myster ...

. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's early history.http://www.stevensaylor.com/ Saylor, Steven. "Steven Saylor website". Retrieved May 16, 2007

Early Republic (before 264 BC)

''If you know of works set in the Early Republic, please expand this section.'' * Roma, published March 6, 2007, by

. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's early history. *

The Etruscan ''The Etruscan'' (original title ''Turms, Kuolematon'' which translates to ''Turms, Immortal'') is a novel by Mika Waltari Mika Toimi Waltari (; 19 September 1908 – 26 August 1979) was a Finnish writer, best known for his best-selling novel '' ...

Mika Waltari Mika Toimi Waltari (; 19 September 1908 – 26 August 1979) was a Finnish writer, best known for his best-selling novel '' The Egyptian'' ( fi, Sinuhe egyptiläinen). He was extremely productive. Besides his novels he also wrote poetry, short stor ...

. Part of the story is set on the first few years of the Republic. * ''Traitors’ Legion'' (Ace G-532,1963) by Jay Scotland, a swashbucker about a disgraced legion, set in Hannibal's time.

Middle Republic (264–133 BC)

''If you know of works set in the Middle Republic, please expand this section.'' * Roma, published March 6, 2007, by

. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's Republican history. * ''Scipio: A Novel'', published March 1998 by

Ross Leckie (Scottish writer) Peter Ross Leckie (born 6 May 1957) is a Scottish writer of historical novels, best known for his ''Carthage'' trilogy. Biography Leckie attended Drumtochty Castle Preparatory School and Fettes College. He studied classics at Corpus Christi C ...

. This is the second book in a loose trilogy about the Second Punic War. * ''Scipio trilogy'' by Santiago Posteguillo (the Punic Wars general Publius Cornelius Scipio) #''Africanus, el hijo del cónsul'' #''Las legiones malditas'' #''La traición de Roma'' * ''Of Merchants & Heroes'', published 2008 by Paul Waters. Set at the end of the 3rd century BC, about the life of a fictional Roman called Marcus. In the novel Marcus becomes involved in the war against

Philip V of Macedon Philip V ( grc-gre, Φίλιππος ; 238–179 BC) was king ( Basileus) of Macedonia from 221 to 179 BC. Philip's reign was principally marked by an unsuccessful struggle with the emerging power of the Roman Republic. He would lead Macedon ag ...

, which was led by

Titus Quinctius Flamininus Titus Quinctius Flamininus (c. 228 – 174 BC) was a Roman politician and general instrumental in the Roman conquest of Greece. Family background Flamininus belonged to the minor patrician '' gens'' Quinctia. The family had a glorious plac ...

, who later became Consul and is a major character in the story. * "Salammbô", published 1977 by Gustave Flaubert. 240 BC. The novel is set before and during the Mercenary War, an uprising of mercenaries in the employ of Carthage in the 3rd century BC. * "The Shield of Rome", published 2011 by William Kelso. 216 BC. The novel is set during "Rome's finest hour" after the battle of Cannae when Hannibal threatens the very existence of the Republic. * "The Fortune of Carthage", published 2012 by William Kelso. 207 BC. The novel is set during the 2nd Punic War and covers Hasdrubal Barca's attempt to link up with the Carthaginian army of his brother Hannibal. * "Rome: Destroy Carthage", published 2013 by David Gibbins. 146 BC. The novel was written to promote the strategy game "Rome 2 Total War" and is set during the 3nd Punic War and covers the siege and utter destruction of Carthage.

Late Republic (after 132 BC)

* ''Viriato'' by João Aguiar (late 2nd, early 1st century BC,

Viriathus Viriathus (also spelled Viriatus; known as Viriato in Portuguese and Spanish; died 139 BC) was the most important leader of the Lusitanian people that resisted Roman expansion into the regions of western Hispania (as the Romans called it) or w ...

) * ''The Bow of Heaven'' (2011) by Andrew Levkoff, a novel of events leading up to the battle of Carrhae, and the triumvir responsible for one of the greatest defeats suffered by Republican Rome, Marcus Licinius Crassus * '' Young Caesar'' (1958) by

Rex Warner Rex Warner (9 March 1905 – 24 June 1986) was an English classicist, writer, and translator. He is now probably best remembered for ''The Aerodrome'' (1941).Chris Hopkins, ''English Fiction in the 1930s: Language, Genre, History'' Continuum Inte ...

* ''

Imperium In ancient Rome, ''imperium'' was a form of authority held by a citizen to control a military or governmental entity. It is distinct from '' auctoritas'' and '' potestas'', different and generally inferior types of power in the Roman Republic a ...

'' and ''

Lustrum (novel) ''Lustrum'' (US: ''Conspirata''; 2009) is a historical novel by British author Robert Harris. It is the sequel to ''Imperium'' and the middle volume of a trilogy about the life of Cicero (106–43 BC). For its 2010 release in the United States ...

'' by Robert Harris, the first two volumes of a trilogy of fictionalized biography told by his slave, later freedman, Tiro depicting Cicero's rise to the consulship in 63 BC and subsequent role in the final days of the Republic. * ''A Pillar of Iron'' (1965) by

Taylor Caldwell Janet Miriam Caldwell (September 7, 1900August 30, 1985) was a British-born American novelist and prolific author of popular fiction under the pen names Taylor Caldwell, Marcus Holland and Max Reiner. She was also known by a variation of her mar ...

, a fictionalized biography of Cicero. * ''Imperial Caesar'' (1960) also by

* ''

The Ides of March The Ides of March (; la, Idus Martiae, Late Latin: ) is the 74th day in the Roman calendar, corresponding to 15 March. It was marked by several Religion in ancient Rome, religious observances and was notable in Rome as a deadline for settling d ...

'' (1948) by

Thornton Wilder Thornton Niven Wilder (April 17, 1897 – December 7, 1975) was an American playwright and novelist. He won three Pulitzer Prizes — for the novel '' The Bridge of San Luis Rey'' and for the plays ''Our Town'' and '' The Skin of Our Teeth'' — ...

, culminating in Caesar's assassination. * ''Caesar'', ''Antony'' by

Allan Massie Allan Johnstone Massie (born 16 October 1938) is a Scottish journalist, columnist, sports writer and novelist. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He has lived in the Scottish Borders for the last 25 years, and now lives in Se ...

* ''Freedom, farewell!'' by

Phyllis Bentley Phyllis Eleanor Bentley (19 November 1894 – 27 June 1977) was an English novelist. Biography The youngest child of a mill owner, she grew up in Halifax in the West Riding of Yorkshire and was educated at Halifax High School for Girls and ...

. * The ''

Roma Sub Rosa ''Roma Sub Rosa'' is a series of historical mystery novels by Steven Saylor set in ancient Rome and therefore populated by famous historic roman citizens. The phrase "Roma Sub Rosa" means, in Latin, "Rome under the rose." If a matter was ''sub ros ...

'' series by

is set in the later years of the Republic and the beginning of the Augustan period. * '' Roma'', published March 6, 2007, by

. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's early history. * The ''Emperor'' Series (2003-2013), by

Conn Iggulden Connor Iggulden (; born ) is a British author who writes historical fiction, most notably the ''Emperor'' series and ''Conqueror'' series. He also co-authored '' The Dangerous Book for Boys'' along with his brother Hal Iggulden. In 2007, Iggul ...

, Julius Caesar's life * ''The Last King: Rome's Greatest Enemy'' (2005) by

Michael Curtis Ford Michael Curtis Ford is an American historical novelist, writing novels about Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. He has worked variously as a laborer, a ski patrolman, a musician, a consultant, a banker, a Latin teacher, and a translator. He holds d ...

. The career of

Mithridates VI Mithridates or Mithradates VI Eupator ( grc-gre, Μιθραδάτης; 135–63 BC) was ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus in northern Anatolia from 120 to 63 BC, and one of the Roman Republic's most formidable and determined opponents. He was an e ...

(134-63 BC) * The ''

Masters of Rome ''Masters of Rome'' is a series of historical novels by Australian author Colleen McCullough, set in ancient Rome during the last days of the old Roman Republic; it primarily chronicles the lives and careers of Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Su ...

'' series by

Colleen McCullough Colleen Margaretta McCullough (; married name Robinson, previously Ion-Robinson; 1 June 193729 January 2015) was an Australian author known for her novels, her most well-known being '' The Thorn Birds'' and ''The Ladies of Missalonghi''. Life ...

. Beginning before the birth of

Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...

to after his death, it details the self-immolation of the Roman Republic. * ''

Spartacus Spartacus ( el, Σπάρτακος '; la, Spartacus; c. 103–71 BC) was a Thracian gladiator who, along with Crixus, Gannicus, Castus, and Oenomaus, was one of the escaped slave leaders in the Third Servile War, a major slave uprisin ...

'' by

Howard Fast Howard Melvin Fast (November 11, 1914 – March 12, 2003) was an American novelist and television writer. Fast also wrote under the pen names E.V. Cunningham and Walter Ericson. Biography Early life Fast was born in New York City. His mother, ...

* ''

'' by Lewis Grassic Gibbon * ''Three's Company'' (1958) by

. The career of Lepidus, triumvir with Octavian and Marcus Antonius after the death of Julius Caesar. * ''Winter Quarters'' (1956) by

. Two Gauls in the time of Julius Caesar, one of whom is under a curse from the Mother Goddess, whose worship he finds throughout the Roman world. * ''The Conquered'' by Naomi Mitchison (1923). Gaul & the Gallic Wars 1st century BC * ''Beric the Briton: A Story of the Roman Invasion'' (1893) by

G. A. Henty George Alfred Henty (8 December 1832 – 16 November 1902) was an English novelist and war correspondent. He is most well-known for his works of adventure fiction and historical fiction, including ''The Dragon & The Raven'' (1886), ''For The ...

* ''Imperial Caesar'' (1960) also by

Early/High Empire (27 BC to AD 192)

* ''Someday Never Comes'' by Mk Kayem * ''

An Imaginary Life ''An Imaginary Life'' is a 1978 novella written by David Malouf. Story outline It tells the story of the Roman poet Ovid Pūblius Ovidius Nāsō (; 20 March 43 BC – 17/18 AD), known in English as Ovid ( ), was a Augustan literature (anci ...

'' by David Malouf. A fictional account of the poet Ovid's exile from Rome. * ''The Quest For the Lost Roman Legions'' by

Tony Clunn John Anthony Spencer Clunn Member of the Order of the British Empire, MBE (10 May 1946 – 3 August 2014) was a major (United Kingdom), major in the British Army, and an amateur archaeologist who discovered the main site of the Battle of the Teuto ...

Battle of the Teutoburg Forest The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, described as the Varian Disaster () by Roman historians, took place at modern Kalkriese in AD 9, when an alliance of Germanic peoples ambushed Roman legions and their auxiliaries, led by Publius Quinctilius ...

, with his account of his discovery of the battlefield * ''Persona Non Grata, Terra Incognita, Medicus'' and ''Caveat Emptor'', a series of mysteries featuring the "reluctant sleuth" Gaius Petreius Ruso by

Ruth Downie Ruth Downie (born 18 April 1955, North Devon, United Kingdom) is a British author. She is best known for her mysteries featuring the “reluctant sleuth”, Gaius Petreius Ruso, that are set in the Roman world The culture of ancient Rome e ...

, set around 120 AD. * ''Three Legions'' series by

Rosemary Sutcliff Rosemary Sutcliff (14 December 1920 – 23 July 1992) was an English novelist best known for children's books, especially historical fiction and retellings of myths and legends. Although she was primarily a children's author, some of her novel ...

set in Roman Britain c. 130 AD. The three novels consist of ''

The Eagle of the Ninth ''The Eagle of the Ninth'' is a historical adventure novel for children written by Rosemary Sutcliff and published in 1954. The story is set in Roman Britain in the 2nd century AD, after the building of Hadrian's Wall. Plot Discharged because ...

'' (1954), ''The Silver Branch'' (1957), and ''The Lantern Bearers'' (1959). The three were first collected in one volume as ''Three Legions'' in 1980. * ''

Empire An empire is a "political unit" made up of several territories and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant center and subordinate peripheries". The center of the empire (sometimes referred to as the metropole) ex ...

'' published August 31, 2010, by

. The book follows two families through Rome's Imperial history, from the reign of

Augustus Caesar Augustus (born Gaius Octavius; 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavian, was the first Roman emperor; he reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. He is known for being the founder of the Roman Pr ...

to the reign of Hadrian. The sequel to Roma. * ''Vespasian'' series by Robert Fabbri. The series details the early career and rise to power of

Vespasian Vespasian (; la, Vespasianus ; 17 November AD 9 – 23/24 June 79) was a Roman emperor who reigned from AD 69 to 79. The fourth and last emperor who reigned in the Year of the Four Emperors, he founded the Flavian dynasty that ruled the Empi ...

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty

* ''The Nero Prediction'' by Humphry Knipe * ''The Roman'' (1964) by

* ''The Tribune: A Novel of Ancient Rome'' by Patrick Larkin * ''

'' by John Williams * ''Augustus'', ''Tiberius'', ''Caligula'' and ''Nero's Heirs'' by

* '' Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome'' by

* ''Let the Emperor Speak: A novel of Caesar Augustus'' by

, Doubleday & Company, Inc, New York, 1987 (First published in Great Britain in 1986 by the Bodley Head as ''Augustus''). Also by this author: ''Caesar'', ''Anthony'', ''Tiberius'', ''Caligula'' and ''Nero's Heirs''. * ''Pretender'' by

Lion Feuchtwanger Lion Feuchtwanger (; 7 July 1884 – 21 December 1958) was a German Jewish novelist and playwright. A prominent figure in the literary world of Weimar Germany, he influenced contemporaries including playwright Bertolt Brecht. Feuchtwanger's J ...

Books about early Christians or Jesus include: * '' Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ'' (1880) by

Lew Wallace Lewis Wallace (April 10, 1827February 15, 1905) was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, governor of the New Mexico Territory, politician, diplomat, and author from Indiana. Among his novels and biographies, Wallace is ...

; famously made into a film starring Charlton Heston; set in the reign of

Tiberius Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus (; 16 November 42 BC – 16 March AD 37) was the second Roman emperor. He reigned from AD 14 until 37, succeeding his stepfather, the first Roman emperor Augustus. Tiberius was born in Rome in 42 BC. His father ...

in Judaea, the Mediterranean, and Rome. Epilogues carry the story into the reign of

Nero Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus ( ; born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus; 15 December AD 37 – 9 June AD 68), was the fifth Roman emperor and final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 unti ...

* '' I Am a Barbarian'' (1967, written 1941) by Edgar Rice Burroughs; the fictionalized memoirs of Caligula's slave. * ''A Voice in the Wind'' (1994) by

Francine Rivers Francine Sandra Rivers (born 1947) is an American author of fiction with Christian themes, including inspirational romance novels. Prior to becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Rivers wrote historical romance novels. She is best known for ...

; the story of Hadassah, a Christian slave taken from Jerusalem and taken to Rome in the time of Titus and his father Mark of the Lion Trilogy book 1 * ''An Echo in the Darkness'' (1995) by

; the continuing story of Hadassah and Marcus. Mark of the Lion Trilogy book 2 * ''As Sure as the Dawn'' (1995) by

; the continuing story of Atretes. Mark of the Lion Trilogy book 3 * ''

The Robe ''The Robe'' is a 1942 historical novel about the Crucifixion of Jesus, written by Lloyd C. Douglas. The book was one of the best-selling titles of the 1940s. It entered the ''New York Times'' Best Seller list in October 1942, four weeks later ...

'' (1942), by Lloyd C. Douglas, set in the same period as Ben-Hur; like Ben-Hur, more famous as a film. Books about Claudius or set in his reign include: * ''

I, Claudius ''I, Claudius'' is a historical novel by English writer Robert Graves, published in 1934. Written in the form of an autobiography of the Roman Emperor Claudius, it tells the history of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the early years of the Ro ...

'' (1934) and its sequel, ''Claudius the God'' (1935), by Robert Graves. The classic and influential dramatised account of the life of the emperor Claudius, made into a popular TV series (see below). * ''The Eagle'' series by Nigerian-born British novelist

Simon Scarrow Simon Scarrow (born 3 October 1962) is a British author. Scarrow completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia after working at the Inland Revenue, and then went into teaching as a lecturer, firstly at East Norfolk Sixth Form C ...

. The first book ''

Under the Eagle ''Under the Eagle'' is the first book in the ''Eagles of the Empire'' series, by Simon Scarrow and is his debut novel, introducing the characters of Quintus Licinius Cato and Lucius Cornelius Macro. It was published in 2000. Plot summary Prolo ...

'' (part of the

Eagle series ''Eagles of the Empire'' is a series of historical military fiction novels written by Simon Scarrow. The series began in July 2000 with the publication of ''Under the Eagle'', and as of March 2022 there have been 20 novels released in the series ...

) was published 2000 by

. Story of Roman invasion of Britain, featuring a young

. Other books in the series include '' The Eagle's Conquest'' (2001 set in 42 AD (introducing

Boudicca Boudica or Boudicca (, known in Latin chronicles as Boadicea or Boudicea, and in Welsh as ()), was a queen of the ancient British Iceni tribe, who led a failed uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in AD 60 or 61. She ...

at the end); '' When the Eagle Hunts'' (2002) set in 44 AD. Other books in the series include ''The Eagle and the Wolves'' (2003), ''The Eagle's Prey'' (2004), ''The Eagle's Prophecy'' (2005), ''The Eagle in the Sand'' (2006), and the forthcoming ''Centurion'' (January - 2008). Books set in Nero's reign include: * '' Beric the Briton, A Story of the Roman Invasion'' (1893) by

; the story of a Romanized Briton captured as a rebel and sent to Rome as a gladiator * ''

Quo Vadis ''Quō vādis?'' (, ) is a Latin phrase meaning "Where are you marching?". It is also commonly translated as "Where are you going?" or, poetically, "Whither goest thou?" The phrase originates from the Christian tradition regarding Saint Pete ...

'' (1895/1896), by Henryk Sienkiewicz set in the reign of

in 64 AD. * ''The Flames of Rome'' by

Paul L. Maier Paul L. Maier (born May 31, 1930) is a historian and novelist. He has written several works of scholarly and popular non-fiction about Christianity and novels about Christian historians. He is the former Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient H ...

* ''A Song for Nero'' (2003) by

Tom Holt Thomas Charles Louis Holt (born 13 September 1961) is a British novelist. In addition to fiction published under his own name, he writes fantasy under the pseudonym K. J. Parker. Biography Holt was born in London, the son of novelist Hazel H ...

, writing as Thomas Holt. * ''Nero, the Bloody Poet'' by

Dezső Kosztolányi Dezső Kosztolányi (; March 29, 1885 – November 3, 1936) was a Hungarian writer, journalist, translator and also a speaker of Esperanto. He wrote in all literary genres, from poetry to essays to theatre plays. Building his own style, he used ...

* ''Imperial Governor'' (1968, reprinted 2002),

George Shipway George Shipway (25 May 1908–1982) was a British author best known for his historical novels, but he also tried his hand at political satire in his book ''The Chilian Club''. Military career George Frederick Morgan Shipway was born on 25 May 1 ...

, the Icenii revolt under Boudicca. * ''The Roman'' (1964) by

* ''

The Cleft ''The Cleft'' (2007) is a novel by Doris Lessing. Plot summary The story is narrated by a Roman historian, during the time of the Emperor Nero. He tells the story as a secret history of humanity's beginnings, as pieced together from scraps of doc ...

'' by Doris Lessing is a book supposedly written by an historian during Nero's reign.

The Flavian Dynasty

* ''Josephus Trilogy'' (1959), by

about Flavius Josephus, but set in Ancient Rome during Reign of Vespasianus and Titus * ''The Course of Honour'' (1998), the first novel by

Lindsey Davis Lindsey Davis (born 1949) is an English historical novelist, best known as the author of the Falco series of historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire. She is a recipient of the Cartier Diamond Dagger award. Life and career ...

(later author of the

Marcus Didius Falco Lindsey Davis (born 1949) is an English historical novelist, best known as the author of the Falco series of historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire. She is a recipient of the Cartier Diamond Dagger award. Life and caree ...

mysteries, which also take place during the reign on Vespasianus) narrates the history of

's imperial freedwoman mistress Antonia Caenis. * '' The Light Bearer'' (1994), by Donna Gillespie tells the story of a Germanic female warrior who becomes a gladiator in Rome in the reign of Domitian. * ''

The Last Days of Pompeii ''The Last Days of Pompeii'' is a novel written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1834. The novel was inspired by the painting ''The Last Day of Pompeii'' by the Russian painter Karl Briullov, which Bulwer-Lytton had seen in Milan. It culminates in ...

'' by E.G.Bulwer-Lytton * '' Pompeii'' by Robert Harris, tells the story of Pompeii and the volcano Vesuveus during the reign of

Titus Titus Caesar Vespasianus ( ; 30 December 39 – 13 September 81 AD) was Roman emperor from 79 to 81. A member of the Flavian dynasty, Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death. Before becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a mili ...

. * ''The Jew of Rome'' by

The Nervan-Antonian (Ulpio-Aelia) Dynasty

* ''Empress of the Seven Hills'' by

Kate Quinn Kate Quinn is an American writer, known for her works of historical fiction. Biography Quinn is a native of Southern California. She is based in San Diego. She graduated from Boston University with a master's degree in classical voice. Quin ...

is set during the reign of Trajan. * ''Lady of the Eternal City'' by

is set during the reign of Hadrian. * ''

Memoirs of Hadrian ''Memoirs of Hadrian'' (french: link=no, Mémoires d'Hadrien) is a novel by the Belgian-born French writer Marguerite Yourcenar about the life and death of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. First published in France in French in 1951 as ''Mémoires d ...

'' (1951) by

Marguerite Yourcenar Marguerite Yourcenar (, , ; born Marguerite Antoinette Jeanne Marie Ghislaine Cleenewerck de Crayencour; 8 June 1903 – 17 December 1987) was a Belgian-born French novelist and essayist, who became a US citizen in 1947. Winner of the ''Prix Fem ...

* ''The Emperor'' by

Georg Ebers Georg Moritz Ebers (Berlin, 1 March 1837 – Tutzing, Bavaria, 7 August 1898) was a German Egyptologist and novelist. He is best known for his purchase of the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest Egyptian medical documents in the world. Life Geo ...

, another fictitious biography of Hadrian * '' A God Strolling in the Cool of the Evening'' (1994) by Mario de Carvalho, set mainly in Roman Lusitania

Middle Empire (AD 193–293)

*''

Family Favourites ''Family Favourites'' (remembered by its later name ''Two-Way Family Favourites'') was the successor to the wartime radio show ''Forces Favourites'', broadcast at Sunday lunchtimes on the BBC Light Programme, later BBC Radio 2 from 1945 unti ...

'' (1960), by

; a tale of court life under the teenage emperor

Elagabalus Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (born Sextus Varius Avitus Bassianus, 204 – 11/12 March 222), better known by his nickname "Elagabalus" (, ), was Roman emperor from 218 to 222, while he was still a teenager. His short reign was conspicuous for s ...

, as recounted by his personal bodyguard *''Warrior Of Rome'' series by historian

Harry Sidebottom Harry Sidebottom is a British author and historian, best known for his two series of historical novels the ''Warrior of Rome'', and ''Throne of the Caesars''. He is Quondam Fellow and Tutor in Ancient History at St. Benet's Hall, Oxford, and l ...

, takes place in the years 238 to 264, mostly from 256 to 264, six books so far published *''Iron And Rust'' also by historian

, takes place before the Warrior Of Rome series

Late Empire: West (AD 293–457)

* '' Helena'' by

Evelyn Waugh Arthur Evelyn St. John Waugh (; 28 October 1903 – 10 April 1966) was an English writer of novels, biographies, and travel books; he was also a prolific journalist and book reviewer. His most famous works include the early satires '' Decl ...

; follows the quest of the Empress Helena, a Christian and the mother of Emperor Constantine to uncover the remains of the cross upon which Christ was crucified. * '' Julian'' (1964) by

Gore Vidal Eugene Luther Gore Vidal (; born Eugene Louis Vidal, October 3, 1925 – July 31, 2012) was an American writer and public intellectual known for his epigrammatic wit, erudition, and patrician manner. Vidal was bisexual, and in his novels and e ...

, fictionalized biography of the emperor Julian the Apostate, who tried to revive Paganism * ''The Last Legion: A Novel'' by

Valerio Massimo Manfredi Valerio Massimo Manfredi (born 8 March 1943) is an Italian historian, writer, essayist, archaeologist and journalist. Biography He was born in Piumazzo di Castelfranco Emilia province of Modena and, after getting a degree in Classical Arts a ...

; fictionalized story of the emperor

Romulus Augustulus Romulus Augustus ( 465 – after 511), nicknamed Augustulus, was Roman emperor of the West from 31 October 475 until 4 September 476. Romulus was placed on the imperial throne by his father, the ''magister militum'' Orestes, and, at that time ...

and what might have happened to his surviving retinue. * '' Eagle in the Snow'' (1970) by Wallace Breem; set in

Britannia Britannia () is the national personification of Britain as a helmeted female warrior holding a trident and shield. An image first used in classical antiquity, the Latin ''Britannia'' was the name variously applied to the British Isles, Great ...

and Germania in the late 4th and early 5th century; features a

Mithraic Mithraism, also known as the Mithraic mysteries or the Cult of Mithras, was a Roman mystery religion centered on the god Mithras. Although inspired by Iranian worship of the Zoroastrian divinity (''yazata'') Mithra, the Roman Mithras is linke ...

Roman general. * ''The Little Emperors'' (1951) by

. A succession of coups in late-Roman Britain. * ''Gods And Legions: A Novel of the Roman Empire'' (2002) by

* ''The Sword of Attila: A Novel of the Last Years of Rome'' (2005) by

* ''The Fall of Rome: A Novel of a World Lost'' (2007) by Michael Curtis Ford * ''

Raptor Raptor or RAPTOR may refer to: Animals The word "raptor" refers to several groups of bird-like dinosaurs which primarily capture and subdue/kill prey with their talons. * Raptor (bird) or bird of prey, a bird that primarily hunts and feeds on ...

'' (1993) by Gary Jennings is an historical novel set in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. It purports to be the memoirs of an Ostrogoth, Thorn, who has a secret. * ''Threshold of Fire: A Novel of Fifth Century Rome'' (1966) by

Hella Haasse Hélène "Hella" Serafia Haasse (2 February 1918 – 29 September 2011) was a Dutch writer, often referred to as the "Grande Dame" of Dutch literature, and whose novel ''Oeroeg'' (1948) was a staple for generations of Dutch schoolchildren. Her ...

* ''Legionary'' (2011) by

Gordon Doherty Gordon Doherty is a Scottish historical novelist whose works centre mainly on Classical Antiquity. Biography Graduating from university with a degree in Physics, Gordon pursued a career in the science and technology sector. In his spare time, ...

* ''Legionary: Viper of the North'' (2012) by

* ''Legionary: Land of the Sacred Fire'' (2013) by

* ''Legionary: The Scourge of Thracia'' (2015) by

* ''Legionary: Gods & Emperors'' (2015) by

* ''Legionary: Empire of Shades'' (2017) by

* ''Legionary: The Blood Road'' (2018) by

* ''Legionary: Dark Eagle'' (2020) by

* ''Legionary: Eagles in the Desert'' (2020) by

* ''Sons of Rome'' (2020) by

& S.J.A. Turney * ''Masters of Rome'' (2021) by

& S.J.A. Turney * ''Gods of Rome'' (2021) by

& S.J.A. Turney

Byzantine Empire (AD 457–1453)

* '' Anna of Byzantium'', 1999 * '' Bélisaire'' *

Belisarius series The Belisarius Series is a fictional saga in the alternate history and military history subgenres of science fiction, written by American authors David Drake and Eric Flint. Its protagonist is a real historical figure, the late Roman gene ...

by David Drake and

Eric Flint Eric Flint (February 6, 1947 – July 17, 2022) was an American author, editor, and e-publisher. The majority of his main works are Alternate history (fiction), alternate history science fiction, but he also wrote humorous fantasy adventures. ...

* ''

Count Belisarius ''Count Belisarius'' is a historical novel by Robert Graves, first published in 1938, recounting the life of the Byzantine general Belisarius (AD 500–565). Just as Graves's Claudius novels (''I, Claudius'' and ''Claudius the God and His Wi ...

'' (1938), by Robert Graves, set in the 6th century, in the reign of

Justinian Justinian I (; la, Iustinianus, ; grc-gre, Ἰουστινιανός ; 48214 November 565), also known as Justinian the Great, was the Byzantine emperor from 527 to 565. His reign is marked by the ambitious but only partly realized ''renovat ...

* ''The Dancing Bear'' (1972), by

Peter Dickinson Peter Malcolm de Brissac Dickinson OBE FRSL (16 December 1927 – 16 December 2015) was an English author and poet, best known for children's books and detective stories. Dickinson won the annual Carnegie Medal from the Library Association ...

Young adult A young adult is generally a person in the years following adolescence. Definitions and opinions on what qualifies as a young adult vary, with works such as Erik Erikson's stages of human development significantly influencing the definition of ...

. * ''

'', a novel, by H N Turteltaub (

Harry Turtledove Harry Norman Turtledove (born June 14, 1949) is an American author who is best known for his work in the genres of alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and mystery fiction. He is a student of history and completed hi ...

), August 1998 * ''

The Palaeologian Dynasty. The Rise and Fall of Byzantium ''Palaiologan Dynasty'' ( el, Παλαιολόγεια Δυναστεία) is the collective name given to a trilogy of historical novels on the Palaiologan dynasty, the last ruling house of the Byzantine Empire, written by Greek author George Leon ...

'' * '' Roma Eterna'' (2003), by

Robert Silverberg Robert Silverberg (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Gr ...

* '' A Struggle for Rome'' (1876), by

Felix Dahn Felix Dahn (9 February 1834 – 3 January 1912) was a German law professor, German nationalist author, poet and historian. Biography Ludwig Julius Sophus Felix Dahn was born in Hamburg as the oldest son of Friedrich (1811–1889) and Constanze ...

* ''

Tirant lo Blanch ''Tirant lo Blanch'' ( ; modern spelling: ''Tirant lo Blanc'') is a chivalric romance written by the Valencian knight Joanot Martorell, finished posthumously by his friend Martí Joan de Galba and published in the city of Valencia in 1490 as an ...

'' (finished posthumously by

Martí Joan de Galba Martí Joan de Galba (; died 1490) was once considered to be the co-author of the famous Valencian epic '' Tirant lo Blanch'', which he worked on after the death of his friend, Joanot Martorell. But the nature of his contributions have been called i ...

, published 1490), by

Joanot Martorell Joanot Martorell (; c. 1410 – 1465) was a Valencian knight and writer, best known for authoring the novel '' Tirant lo Blanch'', written in Valencian and published at Valencia in 1490. This novel is often regarded as one of the peaks of the ...

* '' Up the Line'' (1969), by

* ''Strategos: Born in the Borderlands'' (2011) by

* ''Strategos: Rise of the Golden Heart'' (2011) by

* ''Strategos: Island in the Storm'' (2011) by

Unknown period

* '' Avventura nel primo secolo'' by Paolo Monelli * ''Three's Company'', ''Winter Quarters'', ''Conscience of the King'', ''The Little Emperors'' and ''Family Favourites'' by

* ''Antonia'' by Brenda Jagger * ''The Tribune: A Novel of Ancient Rome'' by Patrick Larkin * ''Hadrian's Wall: A Novel'' by William Dietrich * ''The Centurion: A Novel'' (1986) by

Jan de Hartog Jan de Hartog (April 22, 1914 – September 22, 2002) was a Dutch playwright, novelist and occasional social critic who moved to the United States in the early 1960s and became a Quaker. Biography Early years Jan de Hartog was born to a Dut ...

* ''The Nero Prediction'' by Humphry Knipe

Detective fiction

* ''Search the Seven Hills'' (''The Quirinal Hill Affair'') (1987) by

Barbara Hambly Barbara Hambly (born August 28, 1951) is an American novelist and screenwriter within the genres of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction. She is the author of the bestselling Benjamin January mystery series featuring a fre ...

* The ''

'' series (1991–2012) by

, starts with ''Roman Blood'' (1991); the books cover the period 92 BC to 46 BC. * The ''

'' series by

, starts with The Silver Pigs; set in the reign of

. * The ''

SPQR SPQR, an abbreviation for (; en, "The Roman Senate and People"; or more freely "The Senate and People of Rome"), is an emblematic abbreviated phrase referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic. It appears on Roman currency, at t ...

'' series by

John Maddox Roberts John Maddox Roberts is an American author of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction including the ''SPQR'' series and '' Hannibal's Children''. Personal life John Maddox Roberts was born in Ohio and was raised in Texas, California, a ...

. * The ''Marcus Corvinus (fictional character)'' series by David Wishart * The '' Roman Mysteries'' young adults' detective/drama series by

Caroline Lawrence Caroline Lawrence (born 1954) is an English American author, best known for '' The Roman Mysteries'' series of historical novels for children. The series is about a Roman girl called Flavia and her three friends: Nubia (a freed slave girl), Jo ...

* The '' Caius Trilogy'' by German author Henry Winterfeld: ''Caius ist ein Dummkopf'' (Caius is an Idiot); ''Caius geht ein Licht auf'' (Caius has an Inspiration), and ''Caius in der Klemme'' (Caius in a Fix). The first part was published in English with the alternate title '' Detectives in Togas''. The second was published in English with the alternate title '' Mystery of the Roman Ransom''. * The ''

Eagle Eagle is the common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of genera, some of which are closely related. Most of the 68 species of eagle are from Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, j ...

'' series by

(see above) * The '' Germanicus Mosaic'' series by Rosemary Rowe - set in later Roman Britain

Science fiction/time travel novels

* ''Caesar's Bicycle'' (1997) (Timeline Wars series) by

John Barnes John Charles Bryan Barnes MBE (born 7 November 1963) is a former professional football player and manager. He currently works as an author, commentator and pundit for ESPN and SuperSport. Initially a quick, skilful left winger, he moved to ce ...

* ''Arria Marcella'' (1852) by

Théophile Gautier Pierre Jules Théophile Gautier ( , ; 30 August 1811 – 23 October 1872) was a French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, and art and literary critic. While an ardent defender of Romanticism, Gautier's work is difficult to classify and rema ...

set in 79 AD in Pompeii * '' Household Gods'' (1999), by

Judith Tarr Judith Tarr (born January 30, 1955) is an American fantasy and science fiction author. Life Tarr was born in Augusta, Maine on January 30, 1955. She is the daughter of Earle A. Tarr, Jr. (a waterworks manager and salesman of real estate), and ...

and

set in the reign of

Marcus Aurelius Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (Latin: áːɾkus̠ auɾέːli.us̠ antɔ́ːni.us̠ English: ; 26 April 121 – 17 March 180) was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD and a Stoic philosopher. He was the last of the rulers known as the Five Good ...

* ''The Time Travelling Cat and the Roman Eagle'' (2001) by Julia Jarman * "Codex Alera"

Jim Butcher Jim Butcher (born October 26, 1971) is an American author., He has written the contemporary fantasy ''The Dresden Files'', ''Codex Alera'', and '' Cinder Spires'' book series. Personal life Butcher was born in Independence, Missouri, in 1971. H ...

's fantasy take on what happened to the Lost Roman Legion.

Alternate history

The following alternate history novels are set in fictional universes where Rome's struggle with Carthage went differently * '' The Seven Hills'' (2005) by

* ''

Delenda Est "Delenda Est" is a science fiction short story by American writer Poul Anderson, part of his Time Patrol series. It was originally published in ''The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction'' of December 1955. It was first reprinted in the first e ...

'' by Poul Anderson * '' Lest Darkness Fall'' (1939) by

L. Sprague de Camp Lyon Sprague de Camp (; November 27, 1907 – November 6, 2000) was an American writer of science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction. In a career spanning 60 years, he wrote over 100 books, including novels and works of non-fiction, including biog ...

; a time-travelling American alters history, set in 535 AD. * '' Agent of Byzantium'' by

set in an alternate 14th century with no Islam. * '' Hannibal's Children'' (2002) and its sequel '' The Seven Hills'' by

. A victorious Hannibal sends all the Romans into exile, but they found a new city and their descendants return for vengeance. ''The following alternate history novels are set in fictional universes where the Roman Empire never fell, and has endured to the present day:'' * '' Romanitas'' (2005), by

Sophia McDougall Sophia McDougall (born 1979) is a British novelist, playwright, and poet. Life and career McDougall is best known internationally as the author of alternate history novels published by Orion Publishing Group and based on the premise that the R ...

* '' Rome Burning'' (2006), sequel to ''Romanitas'', by

* '' Roma Eterna'', a 2003 novel by

* '' Warlords of Utopia'' by

Lance Parkin Lance Parkin is a British author. He is best known for writing fiction and reference books for television series, in particular ''Doctor Who'' (and spin-offs including the Virgin New Adventures and Faction Paradox) and as a storyliner on ''Emmerda ...

* '' Gunpowder Empire'' by

* ''The Aquiliad'' (1983), by Somtow Sucharitkul. Circa 50 AD. A light-hearted novel in which Roman legions discover America, battle the Aztecs, encounter Big Foot, and drive off flying saucers. * '' Oebis'' (2002), by Scott Mackay. Romans return to a modern-day Earth to retake it from alien invaders who exiled them centuries ago and imposed a strange form of Christianity. * The Germanicus trilogy, a collection of books by Kirk Mitchell. * ''

Emperor An emperor (from la, imperator, via fro, empereor) is a monarch, and usually the sovereignty, sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife (empress consort), ...

'' (2006), by Stephen Baxter. After a Celtic chieftain obeys an ancient prophecy, and sides with the invaders, the history of Roman Britain takes a different path. First in a series.

Comic books

* '' The Adventures of Alix'' (1948–now) series by Jacques Martin of which some titles are set in Rome and the Ancient World. This series has a spin-off, called ''The travels of Alix'', that gives illustrated information on famous places and empires of the Ancient World during the Roman Era. * ''

Astérix ''Asterix'' or ''The Adventures of Asterix'' (french: Astérix or , "Asterix the Gaul") is a ''bande dessinée'' comic book series about a village of indomitable Gaulish warriors who adventure around the world and fight the Roman Republic, wi ...

'' (1959–now) series by

René Goscinny René Goscinny (, ; 14 August 1926 – 5 November 1977) was a French comic editor and writer, who created the ''Astérix'' comic book series with illustrator Albert Uderzo. Raised largely in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he attended French schoo ...

(stories) and

Albert Uderzo Alberto Aleandro Uderzo (; ; 25 April 1927 – 24 March 2020), better known as Albert Uderzo, was a French comic book artist and scriptwriter. He is best known as the co-creator and illustrator of the '' Astérix'' series in collaboration with ...

(illustrations). A tiny village in Gaul holds out against the Roman Army, and its doughtiest warriors meet all the famous Romans. * ''Murena'' (1997–now) series by Jean Dufaux and

Philippe Delaby Philippe is a masculine sometimes feminin given name, cognate to Philip. It may refer to: * Philippe of Belgium (born 1960), King of the Belgians (2013–present) * Philippe (footballer) (born 2000), Brazilian footballer * Prince Philippe, Count ...

* ''Le Fléau des Dieux'' (2000–2006) series by Valérie Mangin and Aleksa Gajic. Science fiction set in a remote future

Movies

* ''

'' - U.S. 1951 director Mervyn LeRoy * ''

'' - U.S. 1953 director

Henry Koster Henry Koster (born Hermann Kosterlitz, May 1, 1905 – September 21, 1988) was a German-born film director. He was the husband of actress Peggy Moran. Early life Koster was born to Jewish parents in Berlin, Germany. He was introduced to ci ...

* ''

Demetrius and the Gladiators ''Demetrius and the Gladiators'' is a 1954 American biblical drama film and a sequel to '' The Robe''. The picture was made by 20th Century Fox, directed by Delmer Daves and produced by Frank Ross. The screenplay was written by Philip Dunne ...

'' - U.S. 1954 director

Delmer Daves Delmer Lawrence Daves (July 24, 1904 – August 17, 1977) was an American screenwriter, film director and film producer. He worked in many genres, including film noir and warfare, but he is best known for his Western movies, especially '' Broke ...

(sequel to ''The Robe'') * ''

Jupiter's Darling ''Jupiter's Darling'' is a 1955 American Eastman Color musical romance film released by MGM and directed by George Sidney filmed in CinemaScope. It starred Esther Williams as the Roman woman Amytis, Howard Keel as Hannibal, the Carthaginian mi ...

'' - U.S. 1955 director

George Sidney George Sidney (October 4, 1916May 5, 2002) was an American film director and producer who worked primarily at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. His work includes cult classics '' Bye Bye Birdie'' (1963) and ''Viva Las Vegas'' (1964). With an extensive backgr ...

, based on a play by

Robert E. Sherwood Robert Emmet Sherwood (April 4, 1896 – November 14, 1955) was an American playwright and screenwriter. He is the author of '' Waterloo Bridge, Idiot's Delight, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Rebecca, There Shall Be No Night, The Best Years of Our ...

* '' Ben-Hur'' - U.S. 1959 director

William Wyler William Wyler (; born Willi Wyler (); July 1, 1902 – July 27, 1981) was a Swiss-German-American film director and producer who won the Academy Award for Best Director three times, those being for '' Mrs. Miniver'' (1942), ''The Best Years of ...

* ''

'' - U.S. 1960 director Stanley Kubrick * '' King of Kings'' - U.S. 1961 director

Nicholas Ray Nicholas Ray (born Raymond Nicholas Kienzle Jr., August 7, 1911 – June 16, 1979) was an American film director, screenwriter, and actor best known for the 1955 film '' Rebel Without a Cause.'' He is appreciated for many narrative features p ...

* '' Cleopatra'' - U.S. 1963 director

Joseph L. Mankiewicz Joseph Leo Mankiewicz (; February 11, 1909 – February 5, 1993) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. Mankiewicz had a long Hollywood career, and won both the Academy Award for Best Director and the Academy Award for Best A ...

* '' The Fall of the Roman Empire'' - U.S. 1964 director Anthony Mann * ''

The Greatest Story Ever Told ''The Greatest Story Ever Told'' is a 1965 American epic film produced and directed by George Stevens. It is a retelling of the Biblical account about Jesus of Nazareth, from the Nativity through to the Ascension. Along with the ensemble cast ...

'' - U.S. 1965 director

George Stevens George Cooper Stevens (December 18, 1904 – March 8, 1975) was an American film director, producer, screenwriter and cinematographer.Obituary '' Variety'', March 12, 1975, page 79. Films he produced were nominated for the Academy Award for ...

* '' A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'' - U.S. 1966 director

Richard Lester Richard Lester Liebman (born January 19, 1932) is an American retired film director based in the United Kingdom. He is best known for directing the Beatles' films '' A Hard Day's Night'' (1964) and '' Help!'' (1965), and the superhero films ' ...

* ''

Fellini Satyricon ''Fellini Satyricon'', or simply ''Satyricon'', is a 1969 Italian fantasy drama film written and directed by Federico Fellini and loosely based on Petronius's work '' Satyricon'', written during the reign of Emperor Nero and set in Imperial R ...

'' - Italy 1969 director Federico Fellini * '' Jesus Christ Superstar'' - U.S. 1973 director

Norman Jewison Norman Frederick Jewison (born July 21, 1926) is a retired Canadian film and television director, producer, and founder of the Canadian Film Centre. He has directed numerous feature films and has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best ...

* ''

Sebastiane ''Sebastiane'' is a 1976 Latin-language British historical film directed by Derek Jarman and Paul Humfress and written by Jarman, Humfress and James Whaley. It portrays the events of the life of Saint Sebastian, including his iconic martyrdom by ...

'' - UK 1976 director

Derek Jarman Michael Derek Elworthy Jarman (31 January 1942 – 19 February 1994) was an English artist, film maker, costume designer, stage designer, writer, gardener and gay rights activist. Biography Jarman was born at the Royal Victoria Nursing Home ...

* '' Caligula'' - U.S. 1979 director

Tinto Brass Giovanni "Tinto" Brass (born 26 March 1933) is an Italian film director and screenwriter. In the 1960s and 1970s, he directed many critically acclaimed avant-garde films of various genres. Today, he is mainly known for his later work in the Erot ...

* ''

Monty Python's Life of Brian ''Monty Python's Life of Brian'' (also known as ''Life of Brian'') is a 1979 British comedy film starring and written by the comedy group Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin). It ...

'' - U.K. 1979 director

Terry Jones Terence Graham Parry Jones (1 February 1942 – 21 January 2020) was a Welsh comedian, director, historian, actor, writer and member of the Monty Python comedy team. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in English, Jones and ...

* '' History of the World Part 1'' - U.S. 1981 director

Mel Brooks Mel Brooks (born Melvin James Kaminsky; June 28, 1926) is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. With a career spanning over seven decades, he is known as a writer and director of a variety of successful broad farces and parodies. He began ...

* '' The Last Temptation of Christ'' - U.S. 1988 director

Martin Scorsese Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November 17, 1942) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. Scorsese emerged as one of the major figures of the New Hollywood era. He is the recipient of many major accolades, inclu ...

* ''

'' - U.S. 1999 director

Julie Taymor Julie Taymor (born December 15, 1952) is an American director and writer of theater, opera and film. Her stage adaptation of ''The Lion King'' debuted in 1997, and received eleven Tony Award nominations, with Taymor receiving Tony Awards for Best ...

* '' Gladiator'' - U.S. 2000 director Ridley Scott * ''

'' - Polish/U.S. 2001 director

Jerzy Kawalerowicz Jerzy Franciszek Kawalerowicz (19 January 1922 – 27 December 2007) was a Polish film director and politician, having been a member of Polish United Workers' Party from 1954 until its dissolution in 1990 and a deputy in Polish parliament since ...

, remake of 1951 film * '' King Arthur'' - U.S. 2004 director

Antoine Fuqua Antoine Fuqua (born May 30, 1965) is an American filmmaker, known for his work in the action and thriller genres. He was originally known as a director of music videos, and made his film debut in 1998 with ''The Replacement Killers''. His critica ...

* ''

The Passion of the Christ ''The Passion of the Christ'' is a 2004 American epic biblical drama film produced, directed and co-written by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, mother of Jesus, and Monica Bellucci as Mary ...

'' - U.S. 2004 director

Mel Gibson Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson (born January 3, 1956) is an American actor, film director, and producer. He is best known for his action hero roles, particularly his breakout role as Max Rockatansky in the first three films of the post-apoca ...

* ''

The Nativity Story ''The Nativity Story'' is a 2006 American biblical drama film based on the nativity of Jesus and directed by Catherine Hardwicke. The film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shaun Toub, Alexander Siddig, Ciarán Hinds, and Shoh ...

'' - U.S. 2006 director Catherine Hardwicke * '' Agora'' - Spain 2009 director

Alejandro Amenábar Alejandro Fernando Amenábar Cantos (born March 31, 1972) is a Spanish-Chilean film director, screenwriter and composer. He has won nine Goyas—including a Goya Award for Best Director for his 2001 film '' The Others''— two European Film A ...

* '' Centurion'' - UK 2010 director

Neil Marshall Neil Marshall (born 25 May 1970) is an English film and television director, editor, producer, and screenwriter. He directed the horror films ''Dog Soldiers'' (2002) and '' The Descent'' (2005), the science fiction action film '' Doomsday'' (2 ...

* ''

The Eagle The eagle is a large bird of prey. Eagle or The Eagle may also refer to: Places England * Eagle, Lincolnshire, a village United States * Eagle, Alaska, a city * Eagle Village, Alaska, a census-designated place * Eagle, Colorado, a statut ...

'' - UK 2011 director Kevin Macdonald

Plays

Joseph Addison Joseph Addison (1 May 1672 – 17 June 1719) was an English essayist, poet, playwright and politician. He was the eldest son of The Reverend Lancelot Addison. His name is usually remembered alongside that of his long-standing friend Richar ...

** ''Cato'' *

Albert Camus Albert Camus ( , ; ; 7 November 1913 – 4 January 1960) was a French philosopher, author, dramatist, and journalist. He was awarded the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history. His work ...

** ''Caligula'' * Pierre Corneille ** '' Cinna'' * Henrik Ibsen **''

Emperor and Galilean ''Emperor and Galilean'' (in no, Kejser og Galilæer) is a play written by Henrik Ibsen. Although it is one of the writer's lesser known plays, on several occasions Henrik Ibsen called ''Emperor and Galilean'' his major work. ''Emperor and Gali ...

'' *

Ben Jonson Benjamin "Ben" Jonson (c. 11 June 1572 – c. 16 August 1637) was an English playwright and poet. Jonson's artistry exerted a lasting influence upon English poetry and stage comedy. He popularised the comedy of humours; he is best known for t ...

** '' Sejanus, His Fall'' *

Heinrich von Kleist Bernd Heinrich Wilhelm von Kleist (18 October 177721 November 1811) was a German poet, dramatist, novelist, short story writer and journalist. His best known works are the theatre plays '' Das Käthchen von Heilbronn'', ''The Broken Jug'', ''Amph ...

** ''Die Hermannsschlacht'' *

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...

** ''

Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...

'' ** ''

'' ** '' Antony and Cleopatra'' ** ''

Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...

'' ** ''

Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...

'' * Robert Sherwood **''

The Road to Rome ''The Road to Rome'' is a play by American author Robert Sherwood. The plot revolves around Hannibal's attempt to capture Rome during the Second Punic War. It was Sherwood's first published play. The play opened on Jan. 31, 1927 at the Playh ...

'' (1927), on which a little-known 1955 film ''

'' was based. * Stephen Sondheim ** '' A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum''

Television

* ''

'' * ''

'' minisieries by Uli Edel * ''

Masada Masada ( he, מְצָדָה ', "fortress") is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, akin to a mesa. It is located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the D ...

'' * '' Mystery Science Theater 3000'' (part of season 8) * '' Pompeii: The Last Day'' a dramatized documentary * ''

The Roman Holidays ''The Roman Holidays'' is a half-hour Saturday morning animated series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and broadcast on NBC from September 9 to December 2, 1972. It ran for 13 episodes before being cancelled, and reruns were later shown on ...

'' * ''

Rome , established_title = Founded , established_date = 753 BC , founder = King Romulus (legendary) , image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg , map_caption ...

'' * ''

'' miniseries by Robert Dornhelm (director) * '' Spartacus: Blood and Sand'' * ''

Up Pompeii! ''Up Pompeii!'' is a British television comedy series broadcast between 1969 and 1970, starring Frankie Howerd. The first series was written by Talbot Rothwell, a scriptwriter for the ''Carry On'' films, and the second series by Rothwell and S ...

'' * '' Bread and Circuses (Star Trek: The Original Series)''

Video games

Works inspired by Roman history, or by works of fiction and non-fiction about Rome

Science fiction

* ''Empire of the Atom'', by

A. E. van Vogt Alfred Elton van Vogt ( ; April 26, 1912 – January 26, 2000) was a Canadian-born American science fiction author. His fragmented, bizarre narrative style influenced later science fiction writers, notably Philip K. Dick. He was one of the ...

, translates Graves' novel about Claudius(above) into a science fiction context. * The '' Foundation series'' by Isaac Asimov, about the fall of a galactic empire, is derived from Gibbon's ''

Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire ''The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'' is a six-volume work by the English historian Edward Gibbon. It traces Western civilization (as well as the Islamic and Mongolian conquests) from the height of the Roman Empire to th ...

''. * ''

Dominic Flandry Dominic Flandry is a fictional character and the protagonist of the second half of Poul Anderson's Technic History science fiction series. He first appeared in 1951. The space opera series is set in the 31st century, during the waning days of ...

'' series by

Poul Anderson Poul William Anderson (November 25, 1926 – July 31, 2001) was an American fantasy and science fiction author who was active from the 1940s until the 21st century. Anderson wrote also historical novels. His awards include seven Hugo Awards and ...

, a space empire similarly inspired by Gibbon's history (and by Asimov) is decaying and about to collapse into a Long Night of barbarism; a heroic secret agent fights to stave off this fate. * '' Julian Comstock'' by

Robert Charles Wilson Robert Charles Wilson (born December 15, 1953 ) is an American-Canadian science fiction author. Career Wilson was born in the United States in California, but grew up near Toronto, Ontario. Apart from another short period in the early 1970s ...

, about a post-apocalyptic America transformed into a neo-Roman Empire, and a high born youth who, like Julian the Apostate, fights the power of the Church. * '' Bread and Circuses (Star Trek: The Original Series)'' * '' Tarzan and the Lost Empire'' by Edgar Rice Burroughs, a surviving fragment of the Roman Empire is discovered hidden in a corner of 20th century Africa. * In Philip K. Dick's ''

VALIS ''Valis'' (stylized as ''VALIS'') is a 1981 science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick, intended to be the first book of a three-part series. The title is an acronym for ''Vast Active Living Intelligence System'', Dick's gnostic vis ...

'' ancient Rome is superimposed over the present (California in the 20th century) and the far future world of '' The Android Cried Me a River'' to reveal "the Empire" – a supra- or trans-temporal constant. Furthermore, it is often repeated that the empire never fell. Also the novel's protagonist is described as living in two spacetime-continua with one of the personalities presently living in ancient Rome. Ancient Rome is also described as to breaking through into the modern world and "real time" is speculated as to having ceased in 70 AD with Roman times still being present.

Comic books

* ''

Leading Comics ''Leading Comics'' is a 1942–1955 comic book published by what is now DC Comics during the 1940s and early 1950s, a period known to fans and historians as the Golden Age of Comic Books. At the title's inception, DC was actually two companies, Na ...

'' - in the 1940s, a series called "Nero Fox" (about a

talking animal A talking animal or speaking animal is any non-human animal that can produce sounds or gestures resembling those of a human language. Several species or groups of animals have developed forms of communication which superficially resemble verbal ...

named Nero Fox, who was emperor of Rome) was published as a backup series in this comic title. * ''

Trigan Empire ''The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire'', later called simply ''The Trigan Empire'', is a science fiction comic series written mainly by Mike Butterworth with artwork (initially watercolours, later gouache) by Don Lawrence, among others. It ...

'' was a Science Fiction comic series telling of adventures on the planet Elekton with many similarities to the Roman Empire

References

External links

Fictional Rome

The Detective and the Toga - Roman mysteries
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rome Ancient Lists of novels

Historical novels arranged by the period of their setting

Rome as a Kingdom

Early Republic (before 264 BC)

Middle Republic (264–133 BC)

Late Republic (after 132 BC)

Early/High Empire (27 BC to AD 192)

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty

The Flavian Dynasty

The Nervan-Antonian (Ulpio-Aelia) Dynasty

Middle Empire (AD 193–293)

Late Empire: West (AD 293–457)

Byzantine Empire (AD 457–1453)

Unknown period

Detective fiction

Science fiction/time travel novels

Alternate history

Comic books

Movies

Plays

Television

Video games

Works inspired by Roman history, or by works of fiction and non-fiction about Rome

Science fiction

Comic books

See also

References

External links