Books Like Pillar of Iron
Ancient Rome has always held a fascination for readers because of the amount of drama and intrigue that was rife during that period of history. Some readers are drawn to the epic battles of that era while others cannot get enough of the high stakes political games. It is also an era that was relatively well documented, which means that modern writers have a wealth of source material to draw from for their own stories. Authors such as Taylor Caldwell has used the speeches, private correspondence, and manuscripts that are available to weave their own epic historical fiction. Often, such as in the case of A Pillar of Iron, these books feature real historical figures of Ancient Rome. If you have already read A Pillar of Iron and want to experience more historical fiction set in Ancient Rome, then these books should be high on your list.
The Man With Two Names
by Vincent B. Davis II
The Man With Two Names by Vincent B. Davis II is set during Rome of 107 BC. It is the story of Quintus Sertorius, a man who chooses to leave his rural village after it is stripped of its political status and travel to Rome. Quintus hopes of finding a patron in Rome who would be willing to send much-needed aid to the village. However, he soon discovers how unforgiving Rome can be and that his actions could cost him his life if he is not careful. The Man With Two Names is the first novel in the Sertorius Scrolls series and offers a glimpse of just how cutthroat Rome could be.
Emperor's Sword
By Alex Gough
Emperor's Sword by Alex Gough is the first novel in the Imperial Assassin series and features a Roman scout named Silus. While spying on a raiding part deep behind enemy lines in Caledonia Silus is discovered and has to run for his life. Silus is eventually inducted into an elite faction of assassins and spies, called the Arcani. However, he is sent on a mission that requires him to return to the wilderness of Caledonia where he will have to risk everything. Alex Gough used plenty of meticulous historical research to anchor Emperor's Sword in reality and make the perils that Silus face even more gripping.
The Last of the Romans
by Derek Birks
The Last of the Romans by Derek Birks is set in Northern Italy of 454 AD. Dux Ambrosius Aurelianus, the protagonist, is a soldier who has served the Roman Empire with distinction. Along with his small band of irregular soldiers, he has fought hard for peace. However, his success has meant that his master, Flavius Aetius, has little use for Ambrosius and his men. This all changes when Ambrosius becomes the target of old rivals, who paints him as a traitor. Ambrosius is forced to along with his loyal band but finds that even his old home town in Gaul is not safe from conflict.
Legions of the Forest
by Mark Richards
Legions of the Forest by Mark Richards is set in 9 AD and is based on the real historical Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. This historical event has not been covered by many other novels, which makes it even more compelling. It is marked as one of Rome's great defeats and was brought about by betrayal from within. It is the story of Publius Qunctilius Varus, a lawyer with very little military experience, who is tasked with the subjugation of the Germanic people who he mistakenly believes is already conquered. It is this arrogance, along with the danger from within his own ranks, that leads to his downfall.
Praetorian: The Great Game
by S.J.A. Turney
Praetorian: The Great Game by S.J.A. Turney is a historical novel that features everything from epic battles to sinister political plots. A young legionary named Rufinus is promoted to the elite Praetorian Guard and tasked with uncovering who is plotting against the newly-crowned emperor. As terrifying as this assignment is for Rufinus, it appears to be relatively straightforward, but nothing could prepare him for the world of imperial politics and corruption he would be facing. Rufinus will have to deal with everything from Sarmatian cannibals and mercenary killers to warring commanders and clandestine Imperial agents in his mission to save the Emperor.
The Legions of the Mist
by Damion Hunter
The Legions of the Mist by Damion Hunter is the story of the Ninth Hispana, a legion that was once the pride of the Roman Army. However, their numerous successful tales are distant memories by the time that Centurion Justinius Corvus joins them. Not only is it a demotion for Corvus, but also means that he has to transfer to Britain, which is a land that he despises. Nevertheless, Justinius is determined to bring the same pride that he feels as a Roman soldier to his men. Justinius and his men will also have their bonds and combat skills tested as they engage the High King of the Britons and his forces.
Imperium
by Robert Harris
Imperium by Robert Harris is a novel that demonstrates how the politics of Ancient Rome could be every bit as dangerous as the battlefields. The novel is written form the perspective of Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator named Cicero. Not only is Cicero a brilliant lawyer, but he is also determined to attain imperium, which is supreme power in the sate. His opportunity to make his dreams come true when a terrified stranger arrives on his doorstep one cold November morning. The man is a Sicilian who was threatened by Verres, the corrupt Roman governor of that island. It is Cicero's decision to defend this man that sets in motion a chain of events with far-reaching political implications.
