To ask if there are any easy to read history books

[rottenromans]

That cover the Roman Empire, that aren’t horrible histories?

I’m going to Rome next month and would love even a basic understanding of what I’m seeing, I’ve forgotten everything from school history lessons! Any suggestions would be welcome

Mary Beard’s books are very easy to read :-)

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-shortest-history-of-ancient-rome/ross-king/9781913083854

This is very accessible. Mary Beard's SPQR is a heavy weight (literally), but look out for all the drain covers marked SPQR around the city.

Try to book in advance for the big attractions or you will be queuing forever.

Thanks I’ll check them out!

I have everything booked :)

Mary Beard's latest Talking Classics also covers Greece, which could work well for another holiday!

If you want some fiction, Lindsay Davis' Falco novels are set in Ancient Rome and parts of the Roman Empire. (Other fiction set in the Roman era is available.)

Or as a basic introduction before moving on to deeper stuff, see what your local children's library or Oxfam children's section has.

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66147
The Story of Rome by Mary Macgregor was written for children around 100 years ago, but is very readable. You can read it for free on the link above. We love her stories of ancient Greece and Rome.

Fiction wise try the Robert Harris Cicero trilogy. Otherwise Mary Beard. Have the rest is history done some Rome episodes?

Rest is History have indeed, most recent series on Roman Civil War. Episodes from 2/09/26-09/09/26 but they have done others such as on Julius Caeser as well

YABU

“The rest is history” podcast have lots of Ancient Rome. V easy to listen to on Spotify.

There's some good documentaries on the iPlayer including one called The Making of a Dictator about Julius Caesar