Books about ancient Rome

Not academic, but Robert Harris' trilogy Imperium, Conspirata, and Dictator are an excellent work of historical fiction based on Cicero and the other protagonists of the time: Caesar, Pompey, Marc Antony, etc.

Also, Roma: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor is excellent, IMO.

SPQR by Mary Beard is an excellent academic work and quite readable. Her TV documentary series is incredible.

Check out "Rubicon," by Tom Holland, which is the story of the final decades of the Republic and the giants who made Rome "Rome. He also wrote "Persian Fire," which is a fascinating story of the clash between Persia and Ancient Greece.

Stops short of the Empire period, but Colleen McCullough wrote a series on the Roman Republic period through the period of Julius Caesar, The first book is "The First Man in Rome", followed by "The Grass Crown", and several more.

Jerry, I just picked up Rubicon--The Last Years Of The Roman Republic.

I have been woefully ignorant of Roman history leading up to our trip to Rome starting soon, and needed--in true 21st century fashion---a Cliff's Notes version so I'll have some perspective when wandering the Eternal City. I looked at the first few pages and it reads like a thriller. Should work quite nicely for the overseas flight.

Thanks muchly.

"The Secrets of Rome" (subtitle: Love & Death in the Eternal City) by Corrado Augias is not just about ancient Rome, but it's a really good read. Each chapter is a different story. Some of them made my skin crawl.
I also liked SPQR by Mary Beard, but it's more scholarly.
Cynthia

I'm reading Rubicon now, and then the sequel about the Claudian emperors, Dynasty. I recently watched the I, Claudius tv series again (British production starring Derek Jacoby and an incredibly good John Hurt as Caligula).

If you're taking the kids, the following books may fire their imagination:
Augustus Caesar's World by Genevieve Foster
City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction by David Macaulay

SPQR is excellent and very readable. As noted, it focuses on the Roman Republican era and the rise of Rome as a world power.

Just completed SPQR by Mary Beard and agree with others. It's focused, thorough and very readable so I didn't have to read four more to get a good picture.