best rome historical fiction

One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It vividly portrays the Roman imperial family and the politics of the time. The characters are well - developed and it gives a great sense of the intrigue and power struggles in ancient Rome.

You might also like 'Pompeii' by Robert Harris. It tells the story of the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The author does a great job of painting a picture of Roman society in Pompeii at that time, with all its opulence and hidden tensions.

Well, 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsey Davis is a good one. It features a detective in Ancient Rome, and through his investigations, we get to see different aspects of Roman life, from the slums to the palaces.

Another great one is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It follows a young Roman officer on his quest to recover the lost eagle standard of his father's legion in the wilds of Britain. It gives a great sense of the Roman military and the relationship between the Romans and the native Britons.

In Ancient Rome, pure fiction served different purposes than historical fiction does today. Pure fictions were used to explain natural phenomena, religious beliefs, or just for entertainment in a more fantastical way. For instance, stories about Roman gods were used to give meaning to the world around them. Historical fiction, in contrast, aims to bring history to life for modern readers. It uses the backdrop of a real historical setting like Ancient Rome to tell a story that can educate as well as entertain. It often involves research into Roman history to make sure the story is plausible within the historical context.

Steven Saylor's 'Roma Sub Rosa' series is popular too. These novels are set in ancient Rome and feature Gordianus the Finder as the main character. They offer a fascinating look at Roman society from different angles, including its politics, culture, and the lives of ordinary people.

One idea could be a story about a gladiator. He is a slave who was captured from a far - off land. Despite his situation, he has a strong will to survive and gain his freedom. He forms an unlikely friendship with a noblewoman who sees his courage in the arena. Their relationship has to be kept secret as it goes against the social norms of the time.

One idea could be to focus on a gladiator. Maybe a young man who was wrongly enslaved and forced into the gladiator games. His journey to gain freedom and seek revenge against those who wronged him would be full of action, love, and political intrigue as he might have to navigate the complex web of Roman society.

Power and politics are very common. Ancient Rome was a complex political entity, and in historical fiction, you often see the struggle for power among different factions, like the senators, the emperors, and the military. Another theme is love and relationships. For example, the relationships between emperors and their wives or lovers can be a central part of the story. And of course, war and conquest. Rome was constantly expanding, so battles and military campaigns are often depicted in these fictions.

Well, Madeline Miller is known for works that touch on Rome - adjacent stories like in 'The Song of Achilles'. Lindsey Davis is famous for her series set in ancient Rome, starting with 'The Silver Pigs'. Also, Steven Saylor has made a name for himself with his Rome - based historical novels, such as 'The Throne of Caesar'.