History has not been kind to the memory of Tiberius Caesar (42BC to AD37), second emperor of the Romans. His reputation for capable generalship and sensible civic leadership are marred by reports of cruelty, treason trials and sexual depravity. Some historians have described him as a ‘tyrant’ or even a ‘monster’. But does he deserve […]
The Heir of Venus by Laura Shepperson
Aeneas, the son of Venus, is destined for greatness, prophesised to father a people who will one day rule the world. But behind every great man are the women the prophecies forget. Creusa, Dido and Lavinia will never meet, yet they are united by the ambitions of one man whose life is pre-ordained to collide […]
Death and the Poet by Fiona Forsyth
It’s AD14. When Dokimos the vegetable seller is found bludgeoned to death in the Black Sea town of Tomis, it’s the most exciting thing to have happened in the region for years. Now reluctantly settled into life in exile, the disgraced Roman poet Ovid helps his friend Avitius to investigate the crime, with the evidence […]
Legionary by Griff Hosker
When poverty strikes, an ageing farmer is forced to make a heartbreaking choice: relinquish his oldest son in the hope of appeasing the gods or see his family face certain starvation. And so it follows that young Lucius Ulpia Porcianus is sacrificed to Rome. Embarking on his new life, Lucius travels to Ancona to enlist […]
Christmas reading 2024 – top historical books to give or to treat yourself to
We asked eight much-loved authors to each recommend a couple of historical books for Christmas 2024 to give, receive, or treat yourself to — fiction and non-fiction. There are ideas for history-loving children and teens as well. We hope these suggestions help to inspire your Christmas reading. Sharon Bennett Connolly For fiction, it has to […]
The Heir of Venus by Laura Shepperson
Aeneas, the son of Venus, is destined for greatness, prophesied to father a people who will one day rule the world. But behind every great man are the women the prophecies forget. Creusa, Dido and Lavinia will never meet, yet they are united by the ambitions of one man whose life is pre-ordained to collide […]
Review: Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
The historian Michael Arnheim reviews Mary Beard’s Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World, which has just been published as a paperback. “What was it really like to rule and be ruled in the Ancient Roman world?” That is how Professor Mary Beard describes her book. In fact, it is a not particularly subtle […]
The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
A courtesan in Rome. Playing for power. Haunted by her past. Her name is Amara. How will her fortunes fall? Amara’s journey has taken her far, from a lowly slave in Pompeii’s brothel to a high-powered courtesan in Rome. Yet she is still drawn back to her past. For while Amara is caught up in […]