10 Best Books on the Roman Empire

Last Updated: May 8, 2025

The Roman Empire, one of the most influential civilizations in history, has captivated the minds of scholars, history buffs, and casual readers alike. From its humble beginnings as a small city-state to a sprawling empire spanning three continents, Rome’s story is rich with political intrigue, dramatic battles, and cultural advancements that shaped the Western world. To truly appreciate the complexity and grandeur of the Roman Empire, here are ten must-read books on the Roman Empire that cover its fascinating history, colorful personalities, and epic battles.

1
The History of Rome

The History of Rome

Livy

27 BC – 9 BC

2
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

1770s

3
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

2016

4
Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic

Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic

Tom Holland

2003

5
The Rise of Rome

The Rise of Rome

Anthony Everitt

2012

6
The Twelve Caesars

The Twelve Caesars

Suetonius

AD 121

7
Carthage Must Be Destroyed

Carthage Must Be Destroyed

Richard Miles

2012

8
The Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction

The Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction

Christopher Kelly

2006

9
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

Peter Heather

2007

10
Augustus: The Life of Rome’s First Emperor

Augustus: The Life of Rome’s First Emperor

Anthony Everitt

2006

Sources:

  1. Top 10 books about the Roman empire – theguardian.com
  2. Thinking About the Roman Empire? Read These Books – variety.com
  3. History books about ancient Rome – wikipedia.org
  4. Best books on Roman history, from Romulus and Remus to the decline of Empire – standard.co.uk