Fiction set in ancient Rome - Wikipedia Fiction set in ancient Rome From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search Contents 1 Historical novels arranged by the period of their setting 1.1 Rome as a Kingdom 1.2 Early Republic (before 264 BC) 1.3 Middle Republic (264–133 BC) 1.4 Late Republic (after 132 BC) 1.5 Early/High Empire (27 BC to AD 192) 1.5.1 The Julio-Claudian Dynasty 1.5.2 The Flavian Dynasty 1.5.3 The Nervan-Antonian (Ulpio-Aelia) Dynasty 1.6 Middle Empire (AD 193–293) 1.7 Late Empire: West (AD 293–457) 1.8 Byzantine Empire (AD 457–1453) 2 Unknown period 3 Detective fiction 4 Science fiction/time travel novels 4.1 Alternate history 5 Comic books 6 Movies 7 Plays 8 Television 9 Video games 10 Works inspired by Roman history, or by works of fiction and non-fiction about Rome 10.1 Science fiction 10.2 Comic books 11 See also 12 References 13 External links Historical novels arranged by the period of their setting[edit] Rome as a Kingdom[edit] If you know of works set in the pre-Republican era, please expand this section. Founding Fathers (1959) by Alfred Duggan. Originally titled Children of the Wolf, this novel tells the story of King Romulus and the founding of Rome through the eyes of a variety of characters who come to the new city. Roma (2007) by Steven Saylor. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's early history.[1] The Seven Kings of Rome series: The Arms of Quirinus (2005), The Scent of Hyacinth (2005), The Warrior's Dance (2008) by Sherrie Seibert Goff Early Republic (before 264 BC)[edit] If you know of works set in the Early Republic, please expand this section. Roma, published March 6, 2007, by Steven Saylor. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's early history.[1] The Wedding Shroud, published September 2010 by Elisabeth Storrs. This book is set on the cusp of the 5th and 4th centuries BC, about a Roman girl married to an Etruscan man in the events leading up to the war between Rome and Veii. The great Roman general Marcus Furius Camillus is featured. The Etruscan by Mika Waltari. Part of the story is set on the first few years of the Republic. Traitors’ Legion (Ace G-532,1963) by Jay Scotland, a swashbucker about a disgraced legion, set in Hannibal's time. Middle Republic (264–133 BC)[edit] If you know of works set in the Middle Republic, please expand this section. Roma, published March 6, 2007, by Steven Saylor. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's Republican history.[1] Scipio: A Novel, published March 1998 by Ross Leckie (Scottish writer). This is the second book in a loose trilogy about the Second Punic War. Scipio trilogy by Santiago Posteguillo (the Punic Wars general Publius Cornelius Scipio) Africanus, el hijo del cónsul Las legiones malditas La traición de Roma Of Merchants & Heroes, published 2008 by Paul Waters. Set at the end of the 3rd century BC, about the life of a fictional Roman called Marcus. In the novel Marcus becomes involved in the war against Philip V of Macedon, which was led by Titus Quinctius Flamininus, who later became Consul and is a major character in the story. "The Shield of Rome", published 2011 by William Kelso. 216 BC. The novel is set during "Rome's finest hour" after the battle of Cannae when Hannibal threatens the very existence of the Republic. "The Fortune of Carthage", published 2012 by William Kelso. 207 BC. The novel is set during the 2nd Punic War and covers Hasdrubal Barca's attempt to link up with the Carthaginian army of his brother Hannibal. Numancia by José Luis Corral (2nd century BC, Numantia) Late Republic (after 132 BC)[edit] Viriato by João Aguiar (late 2nd, early 1st century BC, Viriathus) Alberix the Celt, books 1 and 2 (2014-2015) by Albert Noyer, as Julius Caesar's territory is threatened, he invades Gaul. Attracted to Roman institutions, Alberix survives the war and is elected a magistrate. Covers the years 59 B.C. to 43 B.C. The Bow of Heaven (2011) by Andrew Levkoff, a novel of events leading up to the battle of Carrhae, and the triumvir responsible for one of the greatest defeats suffered by Republican Rome, Marcus Licinius Crassus Young Caesar (1958) by Rex Warner Imperium and Lustrum (novel) by Robert Harris, the first two volumes of a trilogy of fictionalized biography told by his slave, later freedman, Tiro depicting Cicero's rise to the consulship in 63 BC and subsequent role in the final days of the Republic. A Pillar of Iron (1965) by Taylor Caldwell, a fictionalized biography of Cicero. Imperial Caesar (1960) also by Rex Warner The Ides of March (1948) by Thornton Wilder, culminating in Caesar's assassination. The Key (1988), The Door in the Wall (1994), The Lock (2002) by Benita Kane Jaro Catiline (2007) by Brandon Winningham Barbarians in the Republic: The Long Journey to Rome (2005) by Skarr One Caesar, Antony by Allan Massie Freedom, farewell! by Phyllis Bentley. The Roma Sub Rosa series by Steven Saylor is set in the later years of the Republic and the beginning of the Augustan period. Roma, published March 6, 2007, by Steven Saylor. According to the author's website, the book covers part of Rome's early history.[1] The Emperor Series (2003-2013), by Conn Iggulden, Julius Caesar's life 10th Legion: Battle Born (2015) by Ben Soden the first book in a series based on a fictional group of Roman Legionary anti-heroes who join the 10th legion in Hispania culminating in the beginnings of the Helvetian campaigns. The Last King: Rome's Greatest Enemy (2005) by Michael Curtis Ford. The career of Mithridates VI (134-63 BC) The Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough. Beginning before the birth of Julius Caesar to after his death, it details the self-immolation of the Roman Republic. Spartacus by Howard Fast Spartacus by Lewis Grassic Gibbon Three's Company (1958) by Alfred Duggan. The career of Lepidus, triumvir with Octavian and Marcus Antonius after the death of Julius Caesar. Winter Quarters (1956) by Alfred Duggan. Two Gauls in the time of Julius Caesar, one of whom is under a curse from the Mother Goddess, whose worship he finds throughout the Roman world. The Conquered by Naomi Mitchison (1923). Gaul & the Gallic Wars 1st century BC Beric the Briton: A Story of the Roman Invasion (1893) by G. A. Henty Imperial Caesar (1960) also by Rex Warner Marius' Mules (2009) by S.J.A. Turney. Fictionalised account of Caesar's Gallic Wars from the point of view of a fictional legate. Series ongoing at 10 books to 2017 "Marching with Caesar Series" by R.W. Peake A mostly accurate fiction that takes place during the rise of Julius Caesar, with his first campaign in Gaul, onwards and beyond his life, from the perspective of a soldier as he rises through the ranks[2] Early/High Empire (27 BC to AD 192)[edit] Hay luz en casa de Publio Fama by Juan Miñana (Barcino 60s AD) Someday Never Comes by Mk Kayem An Imaginary Life by David Malouf. A fictional account of the poet Ovid's exile from Rome. The Quest For the Lost Roman Legions by Tony Clunn, Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, with his account of his discovery of the battlefield Persona Non Grata, Terra Incognita, Medicus and Caveat Emptor, a series of mysteries featuring the "reluctant sleuth" Gaius Petreius Ruso by Ruth Downie, set around 120 AD. Three Legions series by Rosemary Sutcliff set in Roman Britain c. 130 AD. The three novels consist of The Eagle of the Ninth (1954), The Silver Branch (1957), and The Lantern Bearers (1959). The three were first collected in one volume as Three Legions in 1980. Empire published August 31, 2010, by Steven Saylor. The book follows two families through Rome's Imperial history, from the reign of Augustus to the reign of Hadrian. The sequel to Roma. Vespasian series by Robert Fabbri. The series details the early career and rise to power of Vespasian. Empire series by Anthony Riches. The series follows the fortunes Marcus Corvus during the reign of Commodus. The Julio-Claudian Dynasty[edit] The Nero Prediction by Humphry Knipe The Roman (1964) by Mika Waltari The Tribune: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Patrick Larkin Augustus by John Williams Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and Nero's Heirs by Allan Massie Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome by Steven Saylor Let the Emperor Speak: A novel of Caesar Augustus by Allan Massie, Doubleday & Company, Inc, New York, 1987 (First published in Great Britain in 1986 by the Bodley Head as Augustus). Also by this author: Caesar, Anthony, Tiberius, Caligula and Nero's Heirs. "Pretender" by Lion Feuchtwanger "Feast of Sorrow" by Crystal King (2017) about Roman gourmand Marcus Gavius Apicius Books about early Christians or the Christ include: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880) by Lew Wallace; famously made into a film starring Charlton Heston; set in the reign of Tiberius in Judaea, the Mediterranean, and Rome. Epilogues carry the story into the reign of Nero I Am a Barbarian (1967, written 1941) by Edgar Rice Burroughs; the fictionalized memoirs of Caligula's slave. A Voice in the Wind (1994) by Francine Rivers; the story of Hadassah, a Christian slave taken from Jerusalem and taken to Rome in the time of Titus and his father Mark of the Lion Trilogy book 1 An Echo in the Darkness (1995) by Francine Rivers; the continuing story of Hadassah and Marcus. Mark of the Lion Trilogy book 2 As Sure as the Dawn (1995) by Francine Rivers; the continuing story of Atretes. Mark of the Lion Trilogy book 3 The Centurion's Wife (2009) by Davis Bunn, Janette Oke life for an early Christian woman and her marriage to a Roman soldier. Acts of Faith book 1 The Hidden Flame (2009) by Davis Bunn, Janette Oke Acts of Faith book 2 The Damascus Way (2010) by Davis Bunn, Janette Oke Acts of Faith book 3 The Seventh Season (1965) by Emmanuel of Samaria; features a meeting between St Andrew and Nero. The Robe (1942), by Lloyd C. Douglas, set in the same period as Ben-Hur; like Ben-Hur, more famous as a film. Books about Claudius or set in his reign include: I, Claudius (1934) and its sequel, Claudius the God (1935), by Robert Graves. The classic and influential dramatised account of the life of the emperor Claudius, made into a popular TV series (see below). The Eagle series by Nigerian-born British novelist Simon Scarrow. The first book Under the Eagle (part of the Eagle series) was published 2000 by Simon Scarrow. Story of Roman invasion of Britain, featuring a young Vespasian. Other books in the series include The Eagle's Conquest (2001 set in 42 AD (introducing Boudicca at the end); When the Eagle Hunts (2002) set in 44 AD. Other books in the series include The Eagle and the Wolves (2003), The Eagle's Prey (2004), The Eagle's Prophecy (2005), The Eagle in the Sand (2006), and the forthcoming Centurion (January - 2008). Books set in Nero's reign include: Beric the Briton, A Story of the Roman Invasion (1893) by G. A. Henty; the story of a Romanized Briton captured as a rebel and sent to Rome as a gladiator Quo Vadis (1895/1896), by Henryk Sienkiewicz set in the reign of Nero in 64 AD. The Flames of Rome by Paul L. Maier A Song for Nero (2003) by Tom Holt, writing as Thomas Holt. Letters from the Realms of Nero (2007) by George Kapo; story of British slave girl in household of Seneca Rubies of the Viper (2010) and its sequel The Viper Amulet (2017) by Martha Marks; interwoven stories of a Roman woman who inherits a fortune when her brother is murdered and a Greek slave who comes into her possession as part of the estate; set in AD 53–67. Nero, the Bloody Poet by Dezső Kosztolányi The Ides of April by Mary Ray: Part of the Roman Empire Sequence.[3] Imperial Governor (1968, reprinted 2002), George Shipway, the Icenii revolt under Boudicca. The Roman (1964) by Mika Waltari The Cleft by Doris Lessing is a book supposedly written by an historian during Nero's reign. The Flavian Dynasty[edit] Josephus Trilogy (1959), by Lion Feuchtwanger about Flavius Josephus, but set in Ancient Rome during Reign of Vespasianus and Titus "In the Shadow of Tyranny" (2013), the first novel by Chris Westcott tells the story of Gaius whose fate and fortune is aligned to the reigns of Vespasian, Titus and the tyranny of Domitian. The Course of Honour (1998), the first novel by Lindsey Davis (later author of the Marcus Didius Falco mysteries, which also take place during the reign on Vespasianus) narrates the history of Vespasian's imperial freedwoman mistress Antonia Caenis. The Light Bearer (1994), by Donna Gillespie tells the story of a Germanic female warrior who becomes a gladiator in Rome in the reign of Domitian. Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn is the story of a young Jewish slave who rises to become the mistress of Emperor Domitian. Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn is set during the Year of Four Emperors and ends with the rise of Vespasian. Trajan trilogy by Santiago Posteguillo (Trajan life) Los asesinos del emperador (Domitian death) Circo Máximo (Trajan's Dacian Wars) The Last Days of Pompeii by E.G.Bulwer-Lytton Pompeii by Robert Harris, tells the story of Pompeii and the volcano Vesuveus during the reign of Titus. The Veteran of Rome Series by William Kelso tells the story of a Roman military family in Roman Britain from 83 AD to 106 AD. "In the Shadow of Tyranny" by Chris Westcott set in the reigns of Vespasian, Titus and Domitian "The Jew of Rome" by Lion Feuchtwanger The Nervan-Antonian (Ulpio-Aelia) Dynasty[edit] Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn is set during the reign of Trajan. Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn is set during the reign of Hadrian. The Equinox (1966) by Carol Saylor, of Rome in the time of Commodus Memoirs of Hadrian (1951) by Marguerite Yourcenar The Emperor by Georg Ebers, another fictitious biography of Hadrian A God Strolling in the Cool of the Evening (1994) by Mario de Carvalho, set mainly in Roman Lusitania Romanike (2000-2014) by Codex Regius, a series of six novels set mainly on both sides of the Upper-Germanic Limes Middle Empire (AD 193–293)[edit] Family Favourites (1960), by Alfred Duggan; a tale of court life under the teenage emperor Elagabalus, as recounted by his personal bodyguard Warrior Of Rome series by historian Harry Sidebottom, takes place in the years 238 to 264, mostly from 256 to 264, six books so far published Iron And Rust also by historian Harry Sidebottom, takes place before the Warrior Of Rome series Late Empire: West (AD 293–457)[edit] “Flavius Aetius: the Last Conqueror and Flavius Aetius: Twilight of Empines” by Jose Gomez Rivera III (2014, 2017) set in the religious-olitival struggles of Russia "The Saint's Day Deaths" by Albert Noyer, (2000) Set in ancient Mainz, A.D. 406: citizens are found murdered on their namesake's feast day and in the same grisly manner the saint was martyred. Who is doing this, why, and who will be next? "The Secundus Papyrus" by Albert Noyer, (2003) A Getorius and Arcadia Mystery. A.D. 439: Terms of a "Last Will and Test-ament" of Christ will bring chaos to the Roman world. What did Christ leave and to whom; is it genuine; what happened to it? "The Cybelene Conspiracy" by Albert Noyer, (2005) A Getorius and Arcadia Mystery. A.D. 440: Two products smuggled into Italy from China could change the course of western history. What are they and what happened to them? "Death at Pergamum" by Albert Noyer, (2013) A Getorius and Arcadia Mystery. A.D. 440: a woman minister stages a bizarre Egypto-Christian resurrection on the 'Throne of Satan' to discredit a pagan physician at the Asklepion healing shrine. Unholy Sepulcher" by Albert Noyer, (2014) A Getorius and Arcadia Mystery. A.D. 440: A body found in Jerusalem's Holy Sepulcher leads to Arcadia's abduction by a cult member, where a Bedouin warlord will sell her to the highest bidder. "The Kashat Deception" By Albert Noyer, (2015) A Getorius and Arcadia Mystery. Prologue. A.D. 1 / Story A.D. 441: A papyrus concealed in a Kushite prince's mummy reveals a youthful Jesus raised in an Egyptian tradition of diviners and healers. If genuine, orthodox Christianity is threatened. The Young Julian by Thomas J. Hairston Helena by Evelyn Waugh; follows the quest of the Empress Helena, a Christian and the mother of Emperor Constantine to uncover the remains of the cross upon which Christ was crucified. Julian (1964) by Gore Vidal, fictionalized biography of the emperor Julian the Apostate, who tried to revive Paganism The Last Legion: A Novel by Valerio Massimo Manfredi; fictionalized story of the emperor Romulus Augustulus and what might have happened to his surviving retinue. Eagle in the Snow (1970) by Wallace Breem; set in Britannia and Germania in the late 4th and early 5th century; features a Mithraic Roman general. The Little Emperors (1951) by Alfred Duggan. A succession of coups in late-Roman Britain. Gods And Legions: A Novel of the Roman Empire (2002) by Michael Curtis Ford The Sword of Attila: A Novel of the Last Years of Rome (2005) by Michael Curtis Ford The Fall of Rome: A Novel of a World Lost (2007) by Michael Curtis Ford Raptor (1993) by Gary Jennings is an historical novel set in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. It purports to be the memoirs of an Ostrogoth, Thorn, who has a secret. Threshold of Fire: A Novel of Fifth Century Rome (1966) by Hella Hasse Legionary (2011) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: Viper of the North (2012) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: Land of the Sacred Fire (2013) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: The Scourge of Thracia (2015) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: Gods & Emperors (2015) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: Empire of Shades (2017) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: The Blood Road (2018) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: Dark Eagle (2020) by Gordon Doherty Legionary: Eagles in the Desert (2020) by Gordon Doherty Embers of Empire, The Veiled Assassin (2013) by Q. V. Hunter espionage adventure series set during reigns of Constantius II and Julian the Apostate Embers of Empire, Usurpers (2013) by Q. V. Hunter Embers of Empire, The Back Door to Hell (2013) by Q. V. Hunter Embers of Empire, The Wolves of Ambition (2015) by Q. V. Hunter Embers of Empire, The Deadly Caesar (2015) by Q. V. Hunter Embers of Empire, The Burning Stakes (2016) by Q. V. Hunter Sons of Rome (2020) by Gordon Doherty & S.J.A. Turney Masters of Rome (2021) by Gordon Doherty & S.J.A. Turney Byzantine Empire (AD 457–1453)[edit] Anna of Byzantium, 1999 Bélisaire Belisarius series Count Belisarius (1938), by Robert Graves, set in the 6th century, in the reign of Justinian The Dancing Bear (1972), by Peter Dickinson. Young adult. Justinian, a novel, by H N Turteltaub (Harry Turtledove), August 1998 The Palaeologian Dynasty. The Rise and Fall of Byzantium Roma Eterna (2003), by Robert Silverberg A Struggle for Rome (1876), by Felix Dahn Tirant lo Blanch (finished posthumously by Martí Joan de Galba, published 1490), by Joanot Martorell Up the Line (1969), by Robert Silverberg You with the Roses - What are You Selling?, (1966) a novel by James Wellard, fictionalised biography of the Empress Theodora Strategos: Born in the Borderlands (2011) by Gordon Doherty Strategos: Rise of the Golden Heart (2011) by Gordon Doherty Strategos: Island in the Storm (2011) by Gordon Doherty Unknown period[edit] Avventura nel primo secolo by Paolo Monelli Sand of the Arena by James Duffy In the Army of Marcus Batallius by David M. Ross 68 A.D. by D.G. Bellenger Three's Company, Winter Quarters, Conscience of the King, The Little Emperors and Family Favourites by Alfred Duggan Domitia & Domitian by David Corson Games of Venus by Sylvia Shults Antonia by Brenda Jagger The Virgin's Tale by Sherri Smith Den of Wolves by Luke Devenish Nest of Vipers by Luke Devenish The Tribune: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Patrick Larkin Hadrian's Wall: A Novel by William Dietrich The Centurion: A Novel (1986) by Jan de Hartog The Nero Prediction by Humphry Knipe Detective fiction[edit] Search the Seven Hills (The Quirinal Hill Affair) (1987) by Barbara Hambly The Roma Sub Rosa series (1991–2012) by Steven Saylor, starts with Roman Blood (1991); the books cover the period 92 BC to 46 BC. The Marcus Didius Falco series by Lindsey Davis, starts with The Silver Pigs; set in the reign of Vespasian. The SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts. The I, Claudia series of novels by Marilyn Todd featuring her picaresque heroine Claudia Seferius The Publius Aurelius series by Danila Comastri Montanari The Marcus_Corvinus_(fictional_character)series by David Wishart Roman Justice: SPQR: Too Roman To Handle, by Anne Hart The Roman Mysteries young adults' detective/drama series by Caroline Lawrence The Caius Trilogy by German author Henry Winterfeld: Caius ist ein Dummkopf (Caius is an Idiot); Caius geht ein Licht auf (Caius has an Inspiration), and Caius in der Klemme (Caius in a Fix). The first part was published in English with the alternate title Detectives in Togas. The second was published in English with the alternate title Mystery of the Roman Ransom. The Third Princess: A Septimus Severus Quistus Roman Mystery by Philip Boast Rubies of the Viper (2010) by Martha Marks. A Roman woman sets out to uncover the identity of her brother's murderer. The Eagle series by Simon Scarrow (see above) The Germanicus Mosaic series by Rosemary Rowe - set in later Roman Britain Science fiction/time travel novels[edit] Caesar's Bicycle (1997) (Timeline Wars series) by John Barnes The Green Bronze Mirror (1966) by Lynne Ellison (young adult); set in reign of Nero Arria Marcella (1852) by Théophile Gautier set in 79 AD in Pompeii Household Gods (1999), by Judith Tarr and Harry Turtledove set in the reign of Marcus Aurelius The Time Travelling Cat and the Roman Eagle (2001) by Julia Jarman Toss of the Coin (Time Rangers) (1998) by Rob Childs In Daniel Godfrey's New Pompeii (Titan Books, 2016), the population of ancient Pompeii is transported through time to the present day and into a replica of their town. "Codex Alera" Jim Butcher's fantasy take on what happened to the Lost Roman Legion. Alternate history[edit] The following alternate history novels are set in fictional universes where Rome's struggle with Carthago went differently The Seven Hills (2005) by John Maddox Roberts Alejandro y las águilas de Roma by Javier Negrete (Alexander the Great doesn't die in Babylon and goes on to Italy to fight Rome) Delenda Est by Poul Anderson Lest Darkness Fall (1939) by L. Sprague de Camp; a time-travelling American alters history, set in 535 AD. Agent of Byzantium by Harry Turtledove set in an alternate 14th century with no Islam. Hannibal's Children (2002) and its sequel The Seven Hills by John Maddox Roberts. A victorious Hannibal sends all the Romans into exile, but they found a new city and their descendants return for vengeance. The following alternate history novels are set in fictional universes where the Roman Empire never fell, and has endured to the present day: Romanitas (2005), by Sophia McDougall Rome Burning (2006), sequel to Romanitas, by Sophia McDougall Roma Eterna, a 2003 novel by Robert Silverberg Warlords of Utopia by Lance Parkin Gunpowder Empire by Harry Turtledove The Aquiliad (1983), by Somtow Sucharitkul. Circa 50 AD. A light-hearted novel in which Roman legions discover America, battle the Aztecs, encounter Big Foot, and drive off flying saucers. Oebis (2002), by Scott Mackay. Romans return to a modern-day Earth to retake it from alien invaders who exiled them centuries ago and imposed a strange form of Christianity. The Germanicus trilogy, a collection of books by Kirk Mitchell. Emperor (2006), by Stephen Baxter. After a Celtic chieftain obeys an ancient prophecy, and sides with the invaders, the history of Roman Britain takes a different path. First in a series. The following alternate history novels are set in fictional universes where Julius Caesar survived his assassination attempt: "Caesar Ascending" series by R.W. Peake. Caesar survives his assassination and carries out his plans to invade Parthia. Comic books[edit] The Adventures of Alix (1948-now) series by Jacques Martin of which some titles are set in Rome and the Ancient World. This series has a spin-off, called The travels of Alix, that gives illustrated information on famous places and empires of the Ancient World during the Roman Era. Astérix (1959-now) series by René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations). A tiny village in Gaul holds out against the Roman Army, and its doughtiest warriors meet all the famous Romans. Murena (1997-now) series by Jean Dufaux and Philippe Delaby Le Fléau des Dieux (2000–2006) series by Valérie Mangin and Aleksa Gajic. Science fiction set in a remote future Movies[edit] Main article: List of films set in ancient Rome Quo Vadis - U.S. 1951 director Mervyn LeRoy The Robe - U.S. 1953 director Henry Koster Demetrius and the Gladiators - U.S. 1954 director Delmer Daves (sequel to The Robe) Jupiter's Darling - U.S. 1955 director George Sidney, based on a play by Robert E. Sherwood Ben-Hur - U.S. 1959 director William Wyler Spartacus - U.S. 1960 director Stanley Kubrick King of Kings - U.S. 1961 director Nicholas Ray Cleopatra - U.S. 1963 director Joseph L. Mankiewicz The Fall of the Roman Empire - U.S. 1964 director Anthony Mann The Greatest Story Ever Told - U.S. 1965 director George Stevens A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - U.S. 1966 director Richard Lester Fellini Satyricon - Italy 1969 director Federico Fellini Jesus Christ Superstar - U.S. 1973 director Norman Jewison Sebastiane - UK 1976 director Derek Jarman Caligula - U.S. 1979 director Tinto Brass Monty Python's Life of Brian - U.K. 1979 director Terry Jones History of the World Part 1 - U.S. 1981 director Mel Brooks The Last Temptation of Christ - U.S. 1988 director Martin Scorsese Titus - U.S. 1999 director Julie Taymor Gladiator - U.S. 2000 director Ridley Scott Quo Vadis - Polish/U.S. 2001 director Jerzy Kawalerowicz, remake of 1951 film King Arthur - U.S. 2004 director Antoine Fuqua The Passion of the Christ - U.S. 2004 director Mel Gibson The Nativity Story - U.S. 2006 director Catherine Hardwicke Agora - Spain 2009 director Alejandro Amenábar Centurion - UK 2010 director Neil Marshall The Eagle - UK 2011 director Kevin Macdonald Plays[edit] Joseph Addison Cato Albert Camus Caligula Pierre Corneille Cinna Henrik Ibsen Emperor and Galilean Ben Jonson Sejanus, His Fall Heinrich von Kleist Die Hermannsschlacht William Shakespeare Titus Andronicus Julius Caesar Antony and Cleopatra Coriolanus Cymbeline Robert Sherwood The Road to Rome (1927), on which a little-known 1955 film Jupiter's Darling was based. Stephen Sondheim A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Television[edit] I, Claudius Julius Caesar minisieries by Uli Edel Masada Mystery Science Theater 3000 (part of season 8) Pompeii: The Last Day a dramatized documentary The Roman Holidays Rome Spartacus miniseries by Robert Dornhelm (director) Spartacus: Blood and Sand Up Pompeii! Bread and Circuses (Star Trek: The Original Series) Video games[edit] Video Game Year Platform Score[4] Hegemony Rome: Rise of Caesar 2014 Microsoft Windows Ryse: Son of Rome 2013 Microsoft Windows, Xbox One 60 Total War: Rome II 2013 Mac, Microsoft Windows 76 Roman Empire 2013 Microsoft Windows Phone, Microsoft Windows 76 Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising 2011 Microsoft Windows 50 Gladiator Begins 2010 PSP 59 Tournament of Legends 2010 Wii 45 Grand Ages: Rome 2009 Microsoft Windows 72 Cradle of Rome 2008 Nintendo DS, Wii 63 Europa Universalis: Rome 2008 Microsoft Windows, Mac 73 Imperium Romanum 2008 Microsoft Windows 63 Caesar IV 2006 Microsoft Windows 74 CivCity: Rome 2006 Microsoft Windows 67 Glory of the Roman Empire 2006 Microsoft Windows 66 Colosseum: Road to Freedom 2005 PlayStation 2 56 Imperivm: Great Battles of Rome 2005 Microsoft Windows Legion Arena 2005 Mac, Microsoft Windows 65 Shadow of Rome 2005 PlayStation 2 75 Spartan: Total Warrior 2005 PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox 74 Against Rome 2004 Windows Nemesis of the Roman Empire 2004 74 Rome: Total War 2004 Microsoft Windows, Mac 92 Gladius 2003 GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox 82 Praetorians 2003 PC 78 Celtic Kings: Rage of War 2002 PC 82 Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars 2002 PlayStation 2, Xbox 67 The Eternal City 2001 Catechumen 2000 Windows Nethergate 1999 Mac, Windows Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome 1998 Microsoft Windows Caesar III 1998 Mac, Microsoft Windows The Settlers II 1996 Mac, MS-DOS, Nintendo DS SPQR: The Empire's Darkest Hour 1996 Windows Caesar II 1995 Mac, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows Cohort II - Fighting for Rome[5][6] 1993 Walls of Rome 1993 DOS Caesar I 1992 Amiga, Atari ST, DOS Rome: Pathway to Power 1992 Amiga, DOS Warrior of Rome II 1992 Sega Mega Drive, Sega Genesis Warrior of Rome 1991 Sega Mega Drive, Sega Genesis Centurion: Defender of Rome 1990 IBM PC DOS, Amiga, Mega Drive Legions of Death 1987 Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum Annals of Rome 1986 Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum Legionnaire 1982 Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64 Works inspired by Roman history, or by works of fiction and non-fiction about Rome[edit] Science fiction[edit] Empire of the Atom, by A. E. van Vogt, translates Graves' novel about Claudius(above) into a science fiction context. The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, about the fall of a galactic empire, is derived from Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Dominic Flandry series by Poul Andersen, a space empire similarly inspired by Gibbon's history (and by Asimov) is decaying and about to collapse into a Long Night of barbarism; a heroic secret agent fights to stave off this fate. Julian Comstock by Robert Charles Wilson, about a post-apocalyptic America transformed into a neo-Roman Empire, and a high born youth who, like Julian the Apostate, fights the power of the Church. Bread and Circuses (Star Trek: The Original Series) Tarzan and the Lost Empire by Edgar Rice Burroughs, a surviving fragment of the Roman Empire is discovered hidden in a corner of 20th century Africa. In Philip K. Dick's VALIS ancient Rome is superimposed over the present (California in the 20th century) and the far future world of The Android Cried Me a River to reveal "the Empire" – a supra- or trans-temporal constant. Furthermore, it is often repeated that the empire never fell. Also the novel's protagonist is described as living in two spacetime-continua with one of the personalities presently living in ancient Rome. Ancient Rome is also described as to breaking through into the modern world and "real time" is speculated as to having ceased in 70 AD with Roman times still being present.[7] Comic books[edit] Leading Comics - in the 1940s, a series called "Nero Fox" (about a funny animal named Nero Fox, who was emperor of Rome) was published as a backup series in this comic title. Trigan Empire was a Science Fiction comic series telling of adventures on the planet Elekton with many similarities to the Roman Empire See also[edit] Novels portal Fiction set in the Roman empire Fiction set in Ancient Greece Fiction set in Ancient Egypt List of fictional Romans List of historical fiction by time period References[edit] ^ a b c d http://www.stevensaylor.com/ Saylor, Steven. "Steven Saylor website". Retrieved May 16, 2007 ^ "Marching With Caesar Book Series - Historical Fiction by RW Peake — Marching With Caesar Book Series". marchingwithcaesarbookseries.com. ^ "The Ides of April (Roman Empire Sequence, #2)". Goodreads. Retrieved 2016-07-16. ^ Metacritic Score ^ http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-st-cohort-ii-fighting-for-rome_8952.html ^ http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=272 ^ Dick, Philip K. The VALIS Trilogy. Retrieved 21 July 2015. External links[edit] Fictional Rome The Detective and the Toga - Roman mysteries This literature-related list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it. This film, television or video-related list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it with reliably sourced additions. v t e Ancient Rome topics Outline Timeline History Foundation Kingdom overthrow Republic Empire History Pax Romana Principate Dominate Western Empire fall historiography of the fall Byzantine Empire decline fall Constitution History Kingdom Republic Empire Late Empire Senate Legislative assemblies Curiate Centuriate Tribal Plebeian Executive magistrates SPQR Law Twelve Tables Mos maiorum Citizenship Auctoritas Imperium Status Litigation Government Curia Forum Cursus honorum Collegiality Emperor Legatus Dux Officium Prefect Vicarius Vigintisexviri Lictor Magister militum Imperator Princeps senatus Pontifex Maximus Augustus Caesar Tetrarch Optimates Populares Province Magistrates Ordinary Consul Censor Praetor Tribune Tribune of the Plebs Military tribune Quaestor Aedile Promagistrate Governor Extraordinary Rex Interrex Dictator Magister Equitum Decemviri Consular Tribune Triumvir Military History Borders Establishment Structure Campaigns Political control Strategy Engineering Frontiers and fortifications castra Technology Army Legion Infantry tactics Personal equipment Siege engines Navy Auxiliaries Decorations and punishments Hippika gymnasia Economy Agriculture Deforestation Commerce Finance Currency Republican currency Imperial currency Culture Architecture Art Bathing Calendar Clothing Cosmetics Cuisine Hairstyles Education Literature Music Mythology Religion Deities Romanization Roman people Sexuality Theatre Wine Society Patricians Plebs Conflict of the Orders Secessio plebis Equites Gens Tribes Assembly Naming conventions Demography Women Marriage Adoption Slavery Bagaudae Technology Amphitheatres Aqueducts Bridges Circuses Civil engineering Concrete Domes Metallurgy Numerals Roads Temples Theatres Sanitation Thermae Latin History Alphabet Versions Old Classical Vulgar Late Medieval Renaissance New Contemporary Ecclesiastical Romance languages Writers Latin Aelius Donatus Ammianus Marcellinus Appuleius Asconius Pedianus Augustine Aurelius Victor Ausonius Boëthius Caesar Catullus Cassiodorus Censorinus Cicero Claudian Columella Cornelius Nepos Ennius Eutropius Fabius Pictor Sextus Pompeius Festus Rufus Festus Florus Frontinus Fronto Fulgentius Gellius Horace Hydatius Hyginus Jerome Jordanes Julius Paulus Justin Juvenal Lactantius Livy Lucan Lucretius Macrobius Marcellus Empiricus Marcus Aurelius Manilius Martial Nicolaus Damascenus Nonius Marcellus Obsequens Orosius Ovid Petronius Phaedrus Plautus Pliny the Elder Pliny the Younger Pomponius Mela Priscian Propertius Quadrigarius Quintilian Quintus Curtius Rufus Sallust Seneca the Elder Seneca the Younger Servius Sidonius Apollinaris Silius Italicus Statius Suetonius Symmachus Tacitus Terence Tertullian Tibullus Valerius Antias Valerius Maximus Varro Velleius Paterculus Verrius Flaccus Vergil Vitruvius Greek Aelian Aëtius of Amida Appian Arrian Cassius Dio Diodorus Siculus Diogenes Laërtius Dionysius of Halicarnassus Dioscorides Eusebius of Caesaria Galen Herodian Josephus Julian Libanius Lucian Pausanias Philostratus Phlegon of Tralles Photius Plutarch Polyaenus Polybius Porphyrius Priscus Procopius Simplicius of Cilicia Sozomen Stephanus Byzantinus Strabo Themistius Theodoret Zonaras Zosimus Major cities Alexandria Antioch Aquileia Berytus Bononia Carthage Constantinopolis Eboracum Leptis Magna Londinium Lugdunum Lutetia Mediolanum Pompeii Ravenna Roma Smyrna Vindobona Volubilis Lists and other topics Cities and towns Climate Consuls Dictators Distinguished women Dynasties Emperors Generals Gentes Geographers Institutions Laws Legacy Legions Magistri equitum Nomina Pontifices Maximi Praetors Quaestors Tribunes Roman–Iranian relations Wars and battles Civil wars and revolts Fiction Films Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fiction_set_in_ancient_Rome&oldid=996308801" Categories: Fiction set in ancient Rome Lists of novels Hidden categories: Incomplete literature lists Navigation menu Personal tools Not logged in Talk Contributions Create account Log in Namespaces Article Talk Variants Views Read Edit View history More Search Navigation Main page Contents Current events Random article About Wikipedia Contact us Donate Contribute Help Learn to edit Community portal Recent changes Upload file Tools What links here Related changes Upload file Special pages Permanent link Page information Cite this page Wikidata item Print/export Download as PDF Printable version Languages Add links This page was last edited on 25 December 2020, at 20:10 (UTC). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers Contact Wikipedia Mobile view Developers Statistics Cookie statement