Exploring Top Books of Shelfari

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

by Edward Gibbon

Gibbon’s masterpiece, which narrates the history of the Roman Empire from the second century a.d. to its collapse in the west in the fifth century and in the east in the fifteenth century, is widely considered the greatest work of history ever written. This abridgment retains the full scope of the original, but in a compass equivalent to a long novel. Casual readers now have access to the full sweep of Gibbon’s... (more)

Pompeii: A Novel

by Robert Harris

All along the Mediterranean coast, the Roman empire’s richest citizens are relaxing in their luxurious villas, enjoying the last days of summer. The world’s largest navy lies peacefully at anchor in Misenum. The tourists are spending their money in the seaside resorts of Baiae, Herculaneum, and Pompeii. But the carefree lifestyle and gorgeous weather belie an impending cataclysm, and only one man is worried. The... (more)

The First Man in Rome

by Colleen McCullough

When the world cowered before the legions of Rome, two extraordinary men dreamed of personal glory: the military genius and wealthy rural "upstart" Marius, and Sulla, penniless and debauched but of aristocratic birth. Men of exceptional vision, courage, cunning, and ruthless ambition, separately they faced the insurmountable opposition of powerful, vindictive foes. Yet allied they could answer the treachery of... (more)

The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians

The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians

by P. J. Heather

The death of the Roman Empire is one of the perennial mysteries of world history. Now, in this groundbreaking book, Peter Heather proposes a stunning new solution: Centuries of imperialism turned the neighbors Rome called barbarians into an enemy capable of dismantling an Empire that had dominated their lives for so long. A leading authority on the late Roman Empire and on the barbarians, Heather relates the... (more)

Lives of the Twelve Caesars

by C. Suetonius Tranquillus, Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Suetonius, Joseph Gavorse

Covering the Roman rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian, remains on e f the most enlightening of all Roman histories.

How the Irish Saved Civilization

by Thomas Cahill

Bringing readers to the Ireland of St. Patrick and the Book of Kells, a historical examination of Ireland's role in the rise of medieval Europe cites the work of countless monks and scribes in the preservation of the West's written treasury. Reprint. Tour. K. AB.

The Grass Crown

by Colleen McCullough

Throughout the Western world, great kingdoms have fallen and despots lay crushed beneath the heels of Rome's advancing legions. But in this age of magnificent triumph and barbaric cruelty, internal rebellion threatens the stability and survival of the mighty Republic. And an aging, ailing Gaius Marius, heralded 'conqueror of Germany and Numidia, longs for that which was prophesied many years before: an... (more)

Roma

by Steven Saylor

Spanning a thousand years, and following the shifting fortunes of two families though the ages, this is the epic saga of Rome, the city and its people. Weaving history, legend, and new archaeological discoveries into a spellbinding narrative, critically acclaimed novelist Steven Saylor gives new life to the drama of the city’s first thousand years — from the founding of the city by the ill-fated twins Romulus... (more)

Caesar

by Michael York, Colleen McCullough

In the long, fabled history of Rome, never was there one more adored -- yet more feared -- than Gaius Julius Caesar. Invincible on the field of battle, he commands the love and loyalty of those who fight at his side and would gladly give their lives for his glory. Yet in Rome there are enemies everywhere orchestrating his downfall and disgrace. Fanatical rivals like Cato and Bibulus would tear Rome asunder just to... (more)

The October Horse: A Novel of Caesar and Cleopatra

The October Horse: A Novel of Caesar and Cleopatra

by Colleen McCullough

A SWEEPING EPIC OF ANCIENT ROME FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE THORN BIRDS With her renowned storytelling gifts in full force, Colleen McCullough delivers a breathtaking novel that is both grand in scope and vivid in detail -- and proves once again why she is the top historical novelist of our time. In the last days of the Roman Republic, Gaius Julius Caesar is both adored and despised -- but his rule... (more)

Caesar's Women

by Colleen McCullough

His victories were legend -- in battle and bedchamber alike. Love was a political weapon he wielded cunningly and ruthlessly in his private war against enemies in the forum. Genius, general, patrician, Gaius Julius Caesar was history. His wives bought him influence. He sacrificed his beloved daughter on the alter of ambition. He burned for the cold-hearted mistress he could never dare trust. Caesar's women all... (more)

The Golden Ass

by Apuleius

Written towards the end of the second century AD, "The Golden Ass" tells the story of the many adventures of a young man whose fascination with witchcraft leads him to be transformed into a donkey. The bewitched Lucius passes from owner to owner - encountering a desperate gang of robbers and being forced to perform lewd 'human' tricks on stage - until the Goddess Isis finally breaks the spell and Lucius is... (more)

Ben Hur

A Tale of the Christ

by Lew Wallace

Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. His old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. They become bitter enemies. Because of an unfortunate accident, Ben-Hur is sent to slave in the mines while his family is sent to leprosy caves. As Messala is dying from being crushed in a chariot race, he reveals where Ben-Hur's... (more)

The Forgotten Legion

by Ben Kane

An epic Roman novel which follows three men and one woman bound in servitude to the Republic. Romulus and Fabiola are twins, born into slavery after their mother is raped by a drunken nobleman. At thirteen-years-old, they are sold — Romulus to gladiator school, Fabiola into prostitution where she will catch the eye of one of the most powerful men in Rome. Tarquinius is an Etruscan warrior and soothsayer, and an... (more)

The Consolation of Philosophy: Revised Edition (Penguin Classics)

The Consolation of Philosophy: Revised Edition (Penguin Classics)

by Boethius

Boethius was an eminent public figure under the Gothic emperor Theodoric, and an exceptional Greek scholar. When he became involved in a conspiracy and was imprisoned in Pavia, it was to the Greek philosophers that he turned. "The Consolation" was written in the period leading up to his brutal execution. It is a dialogue of alternating prose and verse between the ailing prisoner and his 'nurse' Philosophy. Her... (more)

Hannibal: A Novel

by Ross Leckie

In Hannibal, Ross Leckie brings to life the colossal struggle of the Punic wars and the Carthaginian general who routed the great Roman armies of his time. In a narrative of breathtaking scope and energy, Leckie's portrait of Hannibal is both dramatic and scrupulously imagined. A chronicle of tragedy, of passion, heroism and cruelty, Hannibal is an epic recasting of the tale of one of history's greatest... (more)

Kleopatra

by Karen Essex

Even as a child, Kleopatra demonstrates the charisma and intelligence that will ensure her destiny. During an Egyptian coup, she and the King are banished to the worldly capital of Rome, where she accepts the terms of her rightful ascent to power. But the return to Egypt proves less than glorious when her father falls ill and dies, leaving her vulnerable to banishment, once again. This time, however, Kleopatra,... (more)

Caesar's Commentaries: On the Gallic War And on the Civil War

Caesar's Commentaries: On the Gallic War And on the Civil War

by Julius Caesar

Between 58 and 50BC Caesar conquered most of the area now covered by France, Belgium and Switzerland, and twice invaded Britain. This is the record of his campaigns. Caesar's narrative offers insights into his military strategy & paints a fascinating picture of his encounters with the inhabitant of Gaul and Britain, as well as offering lively portraits of a number of key characters such as the rebel leaders... (more)

Eagle in the Snow

by Wallace Breem

Banished to the Empire’s farthest outpost, veteran warrior Paulinus Maximus defends The Wall of Britannia from the constant onslaught of belligerent barbarian tribes. Bravery, loyalty, experience, and success lead to Maximus’ appointment as "General of the West" by the Roman emperor, the ambition of a lifetime. But with the title comes a caveat: Maximus needs to muster and command a single legion to defend the... (more)

The Classical World

by Robin Lane Fox

Armies and empires, statesmen and tyrants--the acclaimed historian Robin Lane Fox vividly recounts the history of two great civilizations and one thousand years that forged the Western world The classical civilizations of Greece and Rome once dominated the world, and they continue to fascinate and inspire us. Classical art and architecture, drama and epic, philosophy and politics--these are the ... (more)

Shelfari Book Activity

Tags: roman empire

by Edward Gibbon

by Robert Harris

by Colleen McCullough

by P. J. Heather

by C. Suetonius Tranquillus, Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Suetonius, Joseph Gavorse

by Thomas Cahill

by Colleen McCullough

by Steven Saylor

by Michael York, Colleen McCullough

by Colleen McCullough

by Colleen McCullough

by Apuleius

A Tale of the Christ

by Lew Wallace

by Ben Kane

by Boethius

by Ross Leckie

by Karen Essex

by Julius Caesar

by Wallace Breem

by Robin Lane Fox