9 Fantasy Books Inspired By Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome—with its mighty legions, grand architecture, and political intrigue—has long inspired fantasy authors. The clash of empires, the drama of the Senate, and the weight of honor and betrayal form a captivating foundation for epic tales. When combined with fantastical elements like magic, gods, and mythical beasts, the result is nothing short of spellbinding.
1. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
🔥 Rebellion, forbidden love, and a brutal empire.
In a harsh world inspired by Ancient Rome, Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, find themselves caught in a whirlwind of resistance and danger. Their fates intertwine as they battle the oppressive Martial Empire.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The heart-pounding tension, forbidden romance, and epic stakes will keep you turning pages deep into the night.
2. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
🚀 Ancient Rome meets a futuristic, dystopian society.
Darrow, a low-born miner in a color-coded caste system, infiltrates the elite Golds to ignite a revolution. The society’s rigid hierarchy echoes Rome’s class struggles—only with deadly space battles and gladiatorial combat.
💭 Why it’s fierce: Darrow’s journey from an underdog to a legend is as brutal as it is exhilarating. Think Gladiator in space.
3. A Chorus of Dragons by Jenn Lyons
🐉 Political intrigue, gods meddling in mortal affairs, and a protagonist with shifting allegiances.
Set in a sprawling world with shades of Rome’s imperial grandeur, this series follows Kihrin, who must navigate prophecy, betrayal, and ancient secrets to survive.
💭 Why it’s mesmerizing: The intricacies of the plot and world-building are as intricate as Rome’s labyrinthine politics.
4. Roma Nova Series by Alison Morton
🏺 What if Rome never fell—and women held the reins of power?
This alternate-history series imagines a modern-day Roman Empire run by powerful women. Carina Mitela, a resourceful and daring officer, must protect her family and country while facing political and personal challenges.
💭 Why it’s brilliant: The blend of military strategy, political intrigue, and romance is a feast for the mind.
5. The Gates of Athens by Conn Iggulden
⚔️ Rivalries, battles, and the pulse of a rising empire.
While technically historical fiction, the fantasy-like scale of battles and vivid storytelling earn this book a spot on the list. The novel immerses readers in the Greco-Persian wars, offering a gripping look at ancient military tactics.
💭 Why it’s compelling: It reads like a fantasy epic—with battles worthy of any epic saga.
6. The Wolf of the North by Duncan M. Hamilton
🐺 An exiled warrior and the rise of a legend.
In a world heavily influenced by the ancient empires, this series follows Wulfric as he navigates betrayal, war, and love in his journey to reclaim honor and power.
💭 Why it’s riveting: Wulfric’s character arc and the vivid battle scenes channel the grandeur of ancient Rome’s legendary warriors.
7. The Dragon’s Path by Daniel Abraham
🔥 Money, politics, and war in a fractured world.
A banker, a mercenary, and a noblewoman find themselves at the center of a conflict that will determine the fate of empires. With echoes of Roman economic systems and political intrigue, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
💭 Why it’s fascinating: The novel’s intricate portrayal of power dynamics mirrors the Senate’s power plays during Rome’s height.
8. The Throne of the Caesars by Harry Sidebottom
🛡️ Epic battles and political maneuvering.
Blending historical fiction with larger-than-life fantasy elements, this series chronicles the chaos following the death of a Roman emperor. Alliances crumble, and enemies rise as factions vie for control.
💭 Why it stands out: It’s as ruthless and epic as HBO’s Game of Thrones, but with a distinctly Roman flair.
9. Sword & Scion by M.L. Spencer
⚡ Magic meets political ambition.
In a society reminiscent of Rome, where magic is tightly controlled by the elite, a young woman defies convention to rise through the ranks. Intrigue and rebellion ensue.
💭 Why it captivates: The fusion of magic and political scheming makes this a gripping and inventive read.
Which Roman-Inspired Fantasy Book Rules Your Shelf?
Whether it’s political intrigue, epic battles, or daring rebellions, these books offer a taste of Rome’s grandeur infused with fantasy magic. Which titles have captivated you? Are there any must-reads missing from this list? Share your favorites—your literary empire awaits! 🏺✨
