One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Roman imperial family. The characters are well - developed and the story gives great insights into the political intrigue and power struggles of the time.
The 'Marcus Didius Falco' series by Lindsey Davis is also excellent. These books follow the adventures of a private investigator in ancient Rome. The novels are filled with details about Roman daily life, from the seedy underbelly to the grand palaces. They blend mystery and historical fiction really well, giving readers a great sense of what the Roman Empire was like at that time.
Roman books fiction often has complex characters. For example, in 'The Aeneid', Aeneas is a multi - faceted character with a strong sense of duty. Another characteristic is the use of grand settings. Roman epics usually take place in vast landscapes or big cities. They also tend to have a moral or philosophical underpinning, like in Cicero's works where he imparts wisdom through fictional scenarios.
Roman fiction books tend to draw on historical events and figures. They might fictionalize real - life emperors, generals, or politicians. This gives the books a sense of authenticity. At the same time, they are filled with elements of the supernatural. Gods and goddesses often interfere in the lives of mortals, as seen in 'Metamorphoses'. The combination of the real and the supernatural makes Roman fiction unique.
One great piece of Roman Legion fiction is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It follows a Roman centurion's journey in Britain. Another is 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ' which has elements related to Roman legions. Also, 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves gives a vivid look into the Roman world with the legions playing a significant role.
For beginners, 'The Thieves of Ostia' by Caroline Lawrence is a great choice. It's a children's book but it gives a really accessible introduction to Roman life. It has engaging characters and simple yet interesting plots that can introduce readers to the basic elements of Roman society like the baths, the forum, etc.
I really like 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. While it's not solely focused on war, it has a lot of great details about Roman military campaigns during the early days of the Roman Empire. It also delves deep into the political intrigue which was often intertwined with the military actions. It's a fascinating read that gives you a great sense of the time period and how the military functioned within it.
Well, 'The First Man in Rome' by Colleen McCullough is a top pick. It details the political and military life in Rome during the rise of Julius Caesar. Then there's 'Imperium' by Robert Harris, which while more focused on Cicero, still shows a lot about the Roman military and its influence on the political scene. And of course, 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsey Davis. It features a detective in Rome who often has to deal with the Roman military in the course of his investigations.
The 2016 Roman fiction books may also have strong themes. They could be about love, power, or survival. For instance, if there are books about the fall of the Roman Empire, the theme of survival in a changing world would be prominent. The characters would have to adapt to new situations, and the stories would revolve around how they face these challenges.
The plot in Roman Britain fiction books may revolve around historical events like the Roman conquest of Britain or the uprisings against the Romans. The authors use fictional characters to give a more personal perspective on these large - scale historical happenings. They might also include elements of mystery, like the discovery of an ancient artifact that has a special significance in the context of Roman - British relations.