Does anyone know of any good books based in ancient Greece or Rome? I don't want to read the real classics because they are a little too confusing for me. Do you know of any books based off the classics or any ones that take place in this time period. Thanks!!!
2007-03-27 09:59:07 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Also, they can be mythology books too. Thanks!
2007-03-27 09:59:33 · update #1
The Troy Series by David Gemmell are supposed to be very good as are Lion of Macedonia and Dark Prince, although they are tinged with fantasy.
2007-03-27 10:03:04 · answer #1 · answered by sanchia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would highly recommend Jerome Carcopino's wonderful work, A Day in Ancient Rome. It's absolutely one of the most readable, factual books on the period I've ever encountered. It's terrific for seeing how the people of various social classes spent an average day.
Addition: loryntoo's suggestion The Unwilling Vestal is also terrific (I first encountered it in junior high)--set mostly in the time of Marcus Aurelius (by the way, Christians had been established in Rome for several generations by the year 200, but the novel concentrates on the priestesses of Vesta and the Roman upper crust). Also a great source for how the priestesses carried out their duties.
2007-03-27 10:07:31 · answer #2 · answered by Chrispy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Emperor series by Conn Iggulden is well worth a read. Set in ancient Rome it tells the story of the life of Ceaser over the course of 4 books. I found it to be a very enjoyable read and whilst a little poetic license is used here and there the facts are mostly spot on and the books are very readable - he somehow brings ancient history to life.
This is the first book of the four:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gates-Rome-Emperor-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0007136900/ref=pd_bbs_1/202-2779350-5491008?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175030976&sr=8-1
2007-03-27 10:29:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lindsey Davis writes fiction, but all the books are based in Old Rome and even though the characters are fiction the places and events are real. Ode to a Banker is one. They are a fun read.
2007-03-27 11:26:58 · answer #4 · answered by letaican 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Books are usually based ON! did u mean printed in Ancient Greece or Rome...tough one, but if u get it try selling them...u'll make a fortune!
2007-03-27 10:01:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.net), look for The Unwilling Vestal by Edwin White. It takes place around 200 AD, but is still pre-Christian Rome. Excellent read.
2007-03-27 10:03:28 · answer #6 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.crystalinks.com/rome.html
www.museum.upenn.edu/Greek_World/Index.html
Hope this helps
2007-03-27 10:04:10 · answer #7 · answered by quassy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have close library fi you do go on OPAC and you will find wna tyou want thanks
2007-03-27 10:03:19 · answer #8 · answered by nice person 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋