Thinking of the Roman Empire? Try These Books

If you’ve been on social media recently you’ve probably seen the trend, which started on tiktok but has been featured on all of the major social platforms as well as national news outlets, where people are asking men how often they think about the Roman Empire. Since the trend started it seems like we’re all thinking about the Roman Empire now. If that’s you, or you’re wondering why so many people are thinking about it, try these books from our Studies in History and Rome series.

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Commanders and Command in the Roman Republic and Early Empire by Fred K. Drogula

“[A] well-researched and fascinating study.”—CHOICE

“A lucid and well-argued examination of Roman commanders and their authority…”—H-Net Reviews

“Drogula’s erudite study constitutes an important and stimulating contribution on a major aspect of Roman Republican history which has long provoked debate.”—Journal of Roman Sudies

The Column of Marcus Aurelius: The Genesis and Meaning of a Roman Imperial Monument by Martin Beckmann

“[The Column of Marcus Aurelius] is lucid and engaging, and will be of real value to those interested in the Column itself and also in the wider questions of. . . understanding ancient structures.”—Times Literary Supplement

“A valuable adjunct to anyone interested in Roman military operations at the very height of the Empire.”—NYMAS Review

Rivers and the Power of Ancient Rome by Brian Campbell

“Great value, enhanced by excellent maps and diagrams, learned notes, and a judicious bibliography. Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty.”—Choice

“An empire-wide study that reconstructs ancient river environments and surveys ancient responses to the benefits and dangers of rivers.”—The Historian

“Extensively researched, well put together, and highly readable, Rivers and the Power of Ancient Romeis important for anyone interested in Roman history and society.”—The NYMAS Review

Inside Roman Libraries: Book Collections and Their Management in Antiquity by George W. Houston

“An excellent teaching resource and a valuable addition to the collection of anyone with an interest in the book in the ancient world.”—Journal of Roman Studies

“Inside Roman Libraries is a pleasure to read. Through a careful collection of evidence, it makes a highly original contribution to our understanding of ancient literary culture.”—Peter van Minnen, University of Cincinnati