Top Biographies of Ancient Rome Figures

The best Ancient Rome Biographies includes War That Shaped the Roman Empire, Hannibal: Makers of History (Audible, 1 Audiobook), Lives of the Caesars [Penguin Classics Hardcover] and many others as mentioned below.

1

War That Shaped the Roman Empire

  • Explores the pivotal Battle of Actium.
  • Follows Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian's rivalry.
  • Analyzes consequences for the Roman Empire's future.
  • Richly detailed narrative by expert Barry Strauss.
  • Highlights themes of power and ambition.
  • Engaging account of ancient history's drama.
  • Essential reading for history enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.05
2

Hannibal: Makers of History (Audible, 1 Audiobook)

  • Explore Hannibal Barca's legendary military strategies.
  • Learn about the Second Punic War's key events.
  • Discover Hannibal's epic journey through the Alps.
  • Understand his impact on Roman and Carthaginian history.
  • Examine his relationships with notable military leaders.
  • Analyze the Battle of Zama's decisive outcome.
  • Delve into Hannibal's political reforms and exile.
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  • Price Range: $17.46
3

Lives of the Caesars [Penguin Classics Hardcover]

  • Masterful translation of Suetonius' biographies.
  • Detailed portraits of Rome's first emperors.
  • Insights into their personal lives and policies.
  • Candid tales of power and scandal.
  • Brings ancient Rome vividly to life.
  • A spellbinding reading experience by Tom Holland.
  • Essential for history and biography enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $30.00
4

The Twelve Caesars (Penguin Classics) - Suetonius Edition

  • Essential primary source on Roman history.
  • Chronicles lives of Rome's powerful leaders.
  • Updated translation by James B. Rives.
  • Includes maps, glossaries, and notes.
  • Features a new introduction to Suetonius' works.
  • Vivid and colorful biographical narratives.
  • Part of Penguin's acclaimed classics series.
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  • Price Range: $13.69
5

Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor [Paperback]

  • Explore Marcus Aurelius's life and philosophy.
  • Insights into Stoicism and personal struggles.
  • Detailed examination of key relationships.
  • Learn about ancient Roman political pressures.
  • Connections to Marcus’s Meditations and correspondence.
  • Understand moral dilemmas faced as emperor.
  • Engaging narrative for modern readers.
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  • Price Range: $12.28
6

Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Empire

  • Sweeping account of Roman emperors' social and political world.
  • Insights from renowned classicist Mary Beard.
  • Explores emperors from Julius Caesar to Alexander Severus.
  • Asks critical questions about emperors' true power.
  • Uncovers personal lives of emperors and their families.
  • Delves into ordinary people's interactions with emperors.
  • Offers a unique perspective on Roman history's narrative.
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  • Price Range: $18.80
7

Forgotten Women of Rome: An Empire's Legacy

  • Uncover the hidden stories of Roman women.
  • Engaging and entertaining narrative style throughout.
  • Challenges traditional views of Roman history.
  • Features 21 remarkable women from ancient Rome.
  • Combines humor with deep scholarly insights.
  • A feminist perspective on historical events.
  • Reveals the impact of overlooked female figures.
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  • Price Range: $10.09
8

Beyond Suetonius: Myths of Rome's Caesars

  • Myth-busting exploration of Rome's infamous emperors.
  • Reveals truths behind popular historical misconceptions.
  • Caligula as a misunderstood reformer, not a lunatic.
  • Nero celebrated the arts, not just a villain.
  • Domitian's firm control stabilized the Roman Empire.
  • Based on primary sources and modern scholarship.
  • Transform your understanding of historical narratives.
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  • Price Range: $0.99
9

Julius Caesar: A Biography by Philip Freeman (eBook)

  • Comprehensive biography of Julius Caesar's life.
  • Explores his dual nature: hero and villain.
  • Details his military conquests and political maneuvers.
  • Highlights his relationships with famous contemporaries.
  • Engaging for both new and seasoned history buffs.
  • Illuminates Caesar's impact on Rome's destiny.
  • Written by acclaimed historian Philip Freeman.
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  • Price Range: $3.99
10

Emperor of Rome: Sovereignty in the Ancient Roman Empire

  • Instant New York Times Bestseller.
  • Explores power dynamics of Roman emperors.
  • Engaging questions about imperial life.
  • Combines epic narratives with daily realities.
  • Nuanced portrayal of sex, class, and politics.
  • Richly illustrated with 160 images.
  • Challenging common perceptions of emperors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.99
11

Marcus Aurelius: Stoic Emperor (Ancient Lives Edition)

  • Discover Marcus Aurelius's life and challenges.
  • Explore the impact of Stoic philosophy on his reign.
  • Learn about his relationships with key historical figures.
  • Gain insights from Marcus's own Meditations.
  • Understand moral dilemmas faced during his rule.
  • Examine his approach to slavery and warfare.
  • Experience a compelling narrative of an ancient leader.
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  • Price Range: $16.00
12

Plutarch's Lives Volume 1 [Modern Library Classics]

  • Explores ancient figures' lives and legacies.
  • Brilliant social history by Plutarch, a renowned biographer.
  • Volume I features Romulus, Theseus, and more.
  • Includes original translation by John Dryden.
  • Revised by scholar Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864.
  • Richly anecdotal with detailed character insights.
  • Influential work shaping understanding of ancient history.
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  • Price Range: $15.18
13

Caesar: Life of a Colossus (eBook)

  • Captivating biography of Julius Caesar's life.
  • Explores Caesar's military exploits and literary genius.
  • Chronicles his roles as orator, general, and dictator.
  • Reveals lesser-known stories from his intriguing life.
  • Examines his complex relationships and personal affairs.
  • Contextualizes Caesar within first-century B.C. Roman society.
  • Shows enduring influence of Caesar's leadership today.
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  • Price Range: $9.99
14

The Lives of the Caesars [Paperback]

  • Masterful translation of Suetonius' classic biography.
  • Explore the lives of the twelve Roman Caesars.
  • Insightful portraits of power and personality.
  • Detailed accounts of emperors' scandals and triumphs.
  • Immerse yourself in ancient Roman culture.
  • A spellbinding read for history enthusiasts.
  • New translation by award-winning author Tom Holland.
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  • Price Range: $20.48
15

The War That Shaped the Roman Empire

  • Chronicles the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.
  • Explores the rivalry between Antony and Octavian.
  • Highlights Cleopatra's influence on historical events.
  • Discusses consequences for the Roman Empire's future.
  • Offers expert insights from historian Barry Strauss.
  • Engaging narrative filled with drama and intrigue.
  • Essential reading for ancient history enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
16

Emperor of Rome: Mastering the Ancient Empire

  • Explores the world of Roman emperors.
  • Challenges common perceptions of imperial power.
  • Vivid portrayal of historical figures and events.
  • Combines epic history with everyday life insights.
  • Offers nuanced views on sex, class, and politics.
  • Includes 160 images and a color insert.
  • Written by renowned classicist Mary Beard.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.88
17

Augustus: Life of Rome's First Emperor Audiobook

  • Explores the life of Caesar Augustus.
  • Written by acclaimed historian Anthony Everitt.
  • Engaging narrative of Rome's first emperor.
  • Uncovers Augustus's political strategies and battles.
  • Details his relationships with Mark Antony and Livia.
  • Reveals groundbreaking insights into Augustus's legacy.
  • Ideal for history enthusiasts and biography readers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.80
18

The Egg and I: A Timeless Classic

  • Heartwarming tale of life on a chicken farm.
  • Enduring classic with timeless humor and warmth.
  • Betty MacDonald's light-hearted writing captivates readers.
  • Explores family resilience in challenging circumstances.
  • A delightful mix of adventure and survival.
  • Perfect for fans of breezy autobiographies.
  • Celebrated literary treasure for over fifty years.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
19

Ptolemies: Egypt's Decline and Rome's Ascendancy

  • Compelling history of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
  • Explores Egypt's decline and Rome's rise.
  • Highlights influential figures like Cleopatra VII.
  • Examines warfare and family feuds within Ptolemies.
  • Describes the significance of Alexandria as capital.
  • Accessible account for history enthusiasts and learners.
  • Uncovers the complexities of ancient civilization's downfall.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.36
20

Lives of the Caesars (Oxford World's Classics Edition)

  • Biographies of twelve Roman emperors included.
  • Engaging and provocative anecdotal style.
  • Detailed accounts of emperors' lives and personalities.
  • Influential work in Western literary biography.
  • Accessible and affordable Oxford World's Classics edition.
  • Expert introductions and comprehensive notes included.
  • Valuable resource for further historical study.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.97
21

Agrippina: Extraordinary Roman World Woman

  • Explore Agrippina's extraordinary life and influence.
  • Uncover the power dynamics of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
  • Experience Rome's chaotic imperial history through her story.
  • Learn about her relationships with Caligula and Claudius.
  • Discover her complex role as Nero's mother.
  • Understand her pursuit of power and manipulation tactics.
  • Delve into themes of beauty, intelligence, and ruthlessness.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.59
22

Theoderic the Great: Gothic Roman Leader

  • Explores Theoderic's life and reign in Italy.
  • Highlights his victory over Odoacer in 493.
  • Describes his role as king of Goths and Romans.
  • Details integration strategy stabilizing diverse cultures.
  • Utilizes varied historical sources for rich storytelling.
  • Showcases life at Theoderic's court and society.
  • Illustrates peace after the fall of the Empire.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.57
23

Hoover: A Remarkable Life in Remarkable Times (Hardcover)

  • Definitive biography of Herbert Hoover's extraordinary life.
  • Exhaustively researched and easy to read.
  • Explores Hoover's complexities and contradictions.
  • Highlights his humanitarian efforts during crises.
  • Examines his presidency and its challenges.
  • Captures Hoover's lasting political legacy.
  • Tells a story of triumph and failure.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.00
24

Julius Caesar by Philip Freeman (Paperback)

  • Comprehensive biography of Julius Caesar.
  • Explores Caesar's complex character and motivations.
  • Highlights his military conquests and political prowess.
  • Examines relationships with historical figures like Cleopatra.
  • Engaging for both new and seasoned history enthusiasts.
  • Written with clarity and compelling narrative style.
  • Perfect gift for history buffs and readers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.99
25

Mithradates: Rome's Poison King (Hardcover)

  • Compelling biography of Mithradates, Rome's deadly enemy.
  • Explores his military genius admired by Machiavelli.
  • Features recent archaeological and scientific discoveries.
  • Richly illustrated with stunning visuals and maps.
  • Recounts his dramatic victories and intriguing life stories.
  • Uncovers his mastery of poisons and survival tactics.
  • Engaging narrative revealing a visionary rebel's legacy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.39
26

Lawless Republic: Cicero and Rome's Decline

  • Explores Cicero’s rise amidst Rome's chaos.
  • Details the decline of law and order.
  • Highlights Cicero's journey as a master debater.
  • Examines political violence and its historical consequences.
  • Describes the impact of civil war on justice.
  • Reveals the courtroom spectacles of Cicero's era.
  • Analyzes the shift towards autocracy in Rome.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.78
27

The Lives of the Caesars [Hardcover]

  • Masterful new translation by Tom Holland.
  • Vivid biographies of twelve Roman Caesars.
  • Insights into emperors' personal lives and policies.
  • Reveals scandals, tastes, and eccentricities of rulers.
  • Immersive look into ancient Roman culture.
  • Influential work shaping Rome's historical imagination.
  • A Penguin Classic for history enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
28

Antonius Son: Rome by Brook Allen

  • Explores Marcus Antonius's youth and struggles.
  • Engaging story set in the waning Roman Republic.
  • Rich character development of historical figures.
  • Award-winning debut in Antonius Trilogy.
  • Insightful look at love, power, and redemption.
  • Captivating prose and compelling narrative style.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $0.99
29

The Sword of Rome: Marcus Claudius Marcellus

  • Biography of Roman commander Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
  • Explores his military exploits during the Second Punic War.
  • Details the Siege of Syracuse led by Marcellus.
  • Highlights his unique single combat skills and victories.
  • Discusses political challenges faced in Roman society.
  • Offers insights into Roman Middle Republic's culture.
  • Previously published as "Sword of the Republic."
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.99
30

St. Patrick: A Historical Biography eBook

  • Authoritative modern biography of St. Patrick.
  • Focuses on the historical Patrick and his times.
  • Includes Patrick’s own letters and translations.
  • Explores Patrick’s transformation from slave to saint.
  • Vividly depicts life in the fourth century.
  • Illustrates Patrick's spiritual journey and convictions.
  • Engaging narrative brings history to life.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99