Selected Books on Roman History

Always I Am Caesar

Tatum has something on Julius Caesar for everyone, from a refresher on the social and political structure of Republican Rome, to a new slant on the significance of Caesar's famous dying words, to a comparison between Caesar and notable modern leaders. Since the material is taken from public lectures, the prose flows like that of engaging modern professor or storyteller. (2008)

The Beginnings of Rome, by Tim Cornell

Cornell covers Rome from 753 B.C. to 264 B.C. comprehensively and since it's from the late 20th century, up-to-date. I have used it extensively, especially when looking at Rome's expansion, although I haven't reviewed it. It's simply an essential for the period. (1995)

Caesar Life of a Colossus, by Adrian Goldsworthy

Adrian Goldsworthy's

is a long, thorough, readable biography of Julius Caesar written by a military historian who includes great detail on the times and customs of the late Republic. If you aren't terribly familiar with Julius Caesar, Goldsworthy provides you with the events in his fascinating life. If you are familiar, the themes Goldsworthy selects in documenting Caesar's life make it a new story. (2008)

The Day of the Barbarians, by Alessandro Barbero

For those non-specialists who want a clear look at the background and probable events at the Battle of Adrianople or the barbarization of the Roman Empire, or for those whose favorite period of Roman history is the Late Empire,

, by Alessandro Barbero, should be on the short reading list. (English Version: 2008)

The Fall of the Roman Empire, by Peter Heather

If you're looking for a thorough, basic book on the fall of Rome from a modern perspective, Peter Heather's

would be a good choice. It has its own agenda, but so do the Christianity-focused (Gibbon) and economic-focused (AHM Jones) classic works on the fall of Rome. (2005)

From the Gracchi to Nero, by H.H. Scullard

is a standard text on the period of the Roman Revolution through the Julio-Claudian emperors. Scullard looks at the Gracchi, Marius, Pompey, Sulla, Caesar and the expanding empire. (1959)

A History of the Roman World 753 to 146 B.C., by H.H. Scullard

In

, H.H. Scullard looks at critical events in Roman history from the beginning of the Republic through the Punic Wars. Also chapters on Roman life and culture. (1935)

The Last Generation of the Roman, by Erich Gruen

Erich S. Gruen, who writes about thirty years later than Sir Ronald Syme, provides an almost diametrically opposed interpretation of events of the period. (1974)

Once Upon the Tiber, by Rose Williams

Rose Williams wrote the witty

with a specific audience in mind: students learning Latin who need a background in Roman history. To my mind, it is just as appropriate for students learning about Roman history, especially as a supplement to a series of context-limited readings-in-translation or textbooks. Instead of telling only such history as can be vouched for as historically accurate, Rose Williams reveals what the Romans wrote about themselves. (2002)

Party Politics in the Age of Caesar, by Lily Ross Taylor

Another classic, from 1949, this time by Lily Ross Taylor (1896-1969). "Party Politics" makes it clear that politics were different in Cicero and Caesar's day, although the dominant optimates and populares are often identified with modern conservative and liberal parties. Patrons had clients so they could "get out the vote." (1949)

The Roman Revolution, by Ronald Syme

Sir Ronald Syme's 1939 classic about the period from 60 B.C. to A.D. 14, the accession of Augustus, and the ineluctable movement from democracy to dictatorship. (1939)

Roman Warfare, by Adrian Goldsworthy

Adrian Goldsworthy's

is an excellent introduction to how the Romans used their soldiers to become a world power. It also covers techniques and the organization of the legions. (2005)