Suggestions for good introductory books about the Romans and the Ancient World

[@Krommer1000]

Slight sense of satisfaction when you've already read over half the recommendations. Looking forward to checking out the others.

[@BirdmanDE]

It was a battered copy of Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic wars from my grandfather that got me into reading Ancient History, and I've always suggested it as a start as it's not a challenging read, is clearly written for an audience and there's few people who haven't heard of Caesar. It's also a book that gets more interesting the more you dive into the subject, as on re-reads you start picking up on the stuff that's not said, the way his framing of his actions provides an insight into how Romans though about the world and their position in it.

[@mqcapps]

I had to translate it from Latin to English

[@r0ky_M]

"Logistics of the Roman Army at War" - J.P.Roth Perhaps not for first timers, but Adrian recommended such in the past and a very worthwhile read.

[@Unknown-jt1jo]

Don't apologize for being "long winded"! I really enjoy your communication style. It's very conversational--almost like having a knowledgeable guest over for dinner.

[@Indyrunner03]

Anthony Everitt has some really great books/biographies on Cicero, Augustus, Nero, and Hadrian. A more basic late Roman republic book the I quite liked is Mike Duncan’s “The Storm Before the Storm”.

[@andrewimrie6413]

Thank you. I’m loving the videos. Your book ‘The Fall of the West’ is one of my favourite history books!

[@mattkennel]

That was a great post! I loved all your books. I started with your book on Augustus, and from there I couldn't put your works down! I also really enjoyed Peter Brown's Augustine of Hippo. It's a bit topical and toward the end of the period, but its prose is pellucid and sublime while at the same time being masterful and magisterial.

[@knauxu]

The first book of yours that I've read is The Fall of Carthage. Loved it!

[@toddsmith293]

Thank you good sir. All the best from a devoted American fan of your awesome books. 😊

[@manbearpig7359]

Would love to hear you talk on the value or otherwise of historical novels, and in particular the Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough.

[@dimitriradoux]

Great selection although I would add Christopher Beckwith for a broader view of the central Asian influences on these civilisations.

[@richardsmith579]

I read all of Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire when I was a schoolboy and although it’s now considered very old fashioned I still consider it to be a good read. I love his style too. I have my own copy in eight volumes and rather treasure it.

[@LSOP-]

I'd love to see you and kaldellis discuss the 5th C.

[@lantran8967]

Im just starting out with Phillip II and Alexander ❤.

[@NicoRusconi49]

Julian, a novel by Gore Vidal.

[@michaeldunne338]

Interesting selections. Have read Barry Strauss; and have Peter Connolly's "Greece and Rome at War" on my bookshelf.

[@helgestrm9670]

Valuable video Adrian. Your biographies on Caesar and Augustus, not to say they haven`t already, will undoubtedly stand the test of time. On reddit you are always mentioned as a "level up" in complexity from Holland et al as a readable authoritative voice. Reading your book on Fall of the West after I read Peter Heathers account of it was the most fascinating reading experience I had in 2021 in lockdown. Can`t wait for your new book! Anything else you can say about it other than 5th century bc?

[@LSOP-]

Amazing.

[@king_cobra5492]

Thank you. Have a nice day.

[@mqcapps]

I'd like a review of the chapters of Caesar's gallic wars...and...why are the major gallic or Celtic names sounding Latinized ...did they have names that didn't end in "ius"...

[@busydad_painting]

Thank you for the recommendations, looks like a great list of authors. Do you still write academically/strictly for an academic audience? I know your books are intended to hold up to academic audiences. Which types of publications give you the greatest satisfaction? (As a former academic who no longer write academically I can anticipate your answer)

[@koboDresden]

I really like history content on youtube and that's how I found you. Do you know other history centered channels? I would be curious about your opinion on them. The first one I found many years ago was Historia Civilis who makes semi-short videos about the Roman Republic using a very distinctive style. He simplifies a lot as I understand but his videos are top quality. I occasionally enjoy Thersites the Historian, especially his short videos focusing on different magistrates of Rome telling history from a more personal POV - he did the same with the Byzantine emperors. The Histocrat is another favorite of mine he makes long videos about the historic background of different myths and his videos on the birth of civilization are one of my favourites. Honorary mention to Mike Duncan's podcasts including the History of Rome, which are amazing but not easy to find.

[@marijntaal1531]

Gussy!

[@swimmerspack40k62]

lol how about Dr. Goldsworthy's books

[@laisphinto6372]

I bought your "Die Legionen Roms " i dont know the your original english Title and Hope that the Translation didnt screw Up too much

[@elvispelvis5891]

Mary beard appears to be more like an aktivist than an historian

[@profmcthicccums]

Could you elaborate?

[@Unknown-jt1jo]

Nah. She's a well-known and well-regarded historian who sometimes dabbles in political activism.

[@dennisquaid6509]

I hope someday i will find you to get a autograph

[@erikmathiesen856]

I would like if you go deep in Pompeji and Herculaneum and how Sulla concrete Pompeji etc. Rome closed Pompeji amphitheater for ten years cause fight between two groups etc. There should be enough for a good history book for you 😊📚🏛️