Elinor Everywhere Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 While we are studying history I generally like to read a good biography or historical fiction set in the time we are learning about. We will begin ancient Rome in a few weeks; does anyone have recommendations (this is for ME, not the kids)? For what it's worth, I really enjoyed "I, Claudius", so something written in that vein would be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 "Ides of April" is a murder mystery set in ancient Rome. While written at a teen level, it is well written, a quick read, and I enjoyed it. : ) Warmly, Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 For what it's worth, I really enjoyed "I, Claudius", so something written in that vein would be fine. I, Claudius was largely based on Suetonius, so for a bit of variety, maybe selections from Plutarch's Lives? It's rather like Famous Men of Greece and Famous Men of Rome, but for adults. :) The wikipedia entry has links to a variety of sources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Forgot -- I also enjoyed "Eagle of the Ninth" -- Roman legions in Britain. Also written at a teen level, but well written and a pretty quick read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strawberry Queen Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 some books that I've read are the Roman chronicles by Caroline lawrence. These are mystery books for older children and they're pretty interesting. I enjoyed it and it was a quick read. I also read an adult novel about 2 years ago and I think it's called Aquarius. It's a book about Mt. Vesuvius and a possible explanation to some events with that.(the Aquarius was the person in charge of the aquaduct). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dymphna57 Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 I really learned a ton about Ancient Rome from the Coleen McCullogh series that begins with First Man of Rome about Gaius Marius. She did a lot of research and the culture and even the landmarks in the city came alive for me. I am sorry to say that since the Romans were not a Christian culture and this is an adult book she includes a lot about their s*xual activities. I don't remember how graphic as I just skipped and went on with the story. She wrote about real historical charactors and real events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nissi Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers is set in 1st century Rome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Our plan for books for Rome (5th grader): The Aeneid for Boys and Girls Famous Men of Rome The Ides of April Galen and the Gateway to Medicine Detectives in Togas Roman Ransom Aquila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 For you, I'd recommend Flames of Rome. It is on the Sonlight reading list for level 200 (high school). I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I didn't have my son read it because of his young age when we did that study, but I found it fascinating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 For you, I'd recommend Flames of Rome. It is on the Sonlight reading list for level 200 (high school). I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I didn't have my son read it because of his young age when we did that study, but I found it fascinating. Funny, I use TOG and supplement the kids' reading with Sonlight books, but for some reason it hadn't occurred to me to check out the high school level readers for myself. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 I do have those readers on the list for my dd to read, and I like to pre-read the books beforehand (just because I usually like them! ;) ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 some books that I've read are the Roman chronicles by Caroline lawrence. These are mystery books for older children and they're pretty interesting. I enjoyed it and it was a quick read. I also read an adult novel about 2 years ago and I think it's called Aquarius. It's a book about Mt. Vesuvius and a possible explanation to some events with that.(the Aquarius was the person in charge of the aquaduct). I've never head of any of those - sounds interesting. I love this time period, so I'm happy to read a fairly large number of books. Not that I don't like ancient Greece, but I'm SO ready to move on! :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 I, Claudius was largely based on Suetonius, so for a bit of variety, maybe selections from Plutarch's Lives? It's rather like Famous Men of Greece and Famous Men of Rome, but for adults. :) The wikipedia entry has links to a variety of sources. Ooo, I like that idea. I checked my library and they do have Plutarch's Lives. And gee, strangely enough they are all checked in. :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 I really learned a ton about Ancient Rome from the Coleen McCullogh series that begins with First Man of Rome about Gaius Marius. She did a lot of research and the culture and even the landmarks in the city came alive for me. I am sorry to say that since the Romans were not a Christian culture and this is an adult book she includes a lot about their s*xual activities. I don't remember how graphic as I just skipped and went on with the story. She wrote about real historical charactors and real events. These sound good - and I can borrow them instead of buying, so that makes it even better. I've already reserved a couple - I'm looking forward to getting started and seeing what I think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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