Louise Bedford

Have you ever found yourself wondering: What is the best book about Ancient Rome? Where do I start with Roman History? How do I learn about Ancient Rome? If so, this post is for you.

Book 1 – SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome covers 1000 years of Roman history is just 600 pages, starting right with its formation as a small village in central Italy all the way to this massive empire and ending in 212 CE with a decree which extended citizenship to every freeman living in the empire.

This is such a vast period of time which is great and it starts from the very beginning with the mythical foundation story of Rome, which some books do not include.  there is even a timeline at the back which is a great resource to use and it is even divided into categories.

The writing is also super accessible and easy to read, while also being entertaining and not a “boring old history” book.

Every point Beard makes in the book is backed up with evidence which is clearly explained.

Mary Beard is also ridiculously qualified to write on Ancient Rome she has 10 other books on it, tv shows and is a Professor of Classics at Cambridge. She definitely loves her subject and this really comes across in the book.

The book also explores all areas of Roman Society, not just military conquests, but also the role of women. Beard does not fall into the trap, which some books do, of glorifying the empire and she does address the extreme negatives of it.

If you would like to read a full review & summary of this book, check out my review of it.

Books 2,3 & 4 – Very Short Introductions Series

The Very Short Introduction series is great. These books do exactly what they say on the tin, giving you a beginner-friendly introduction to a subject from an expert in the field in usually under 200 pages. This is amazing especially if you have “big book fear” or just don’t have the time to read a longer book. Each one also has timelines & a further reading section for when you want to delve further into a subject. They are also pocket-sized so really easy to take around with you.

The Roman Republic

The Roman Republic book starts with the Trojan War and how that ties into the creation story of Rome and ends until 27 BCE when Octavius receives the title Augustus.

Roman Britain

Roman Britain starts with Caesar’s expeditions into Britain in 55 BCE and ends with Constantine III’s death and defeat. This one is also only 122 pages!

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire book picks up right where the Roman Republic book ends and ends with the reign of Commodus. This book explores the themes of the Roman Empire rather than a complete chronological summary.

Books 4 & 5 come from Philip Matyszak: 24 Hours in Ancient Rome & Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day

These books are really different from the others; they are much more comedic and accessible. This means they are better for complete beginners but anyone can get enjoyment out of these.

24 Hours in Ancient Rome

24 Hours in Ancient Rome covers an entire day in early September 137 CE. This is in Hadrian’s Rome when the empire is almost at its peak power. The book is split into a chapter for each hour of the day and every chapter is told from a different perspective of an inhabitant who would have lived in Ancient Rome. It is filled with snippets from contemporary sources like Plutarch, Livy and Pliny the Elder. It even contains a recipe for the Heracleum Loaf, which was a loaf of bread they found which had been preserved from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius meaning the recipe was able to be recreated.

Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day

Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day is written as a travel guide as if you are a tourist in 200 AD about to go and visit Rome. This book is so much fun to read and the chapters are great, there is one on getting there, accommodation, shopping, law & order, & more. There is even a useful phrases section at the back which has some Latin phrases that may have come in handy. The book is also jam-packed with quotes, pictures & facts.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post on books to learn about Ancient Rome!