Your Guide to Historical Fiction of the Ancient World

We read historical fiction to learn about our past and experience a different time and place. The most popular books in the genre, those topping bestseller lists, evoke comfort and familiarity.

But how about novels of the ancient world?

They might seem a little daunting, with unfamiliar settings, cultures, and time periods that we don’t often recall from high school history classes. However, there is an entire world of books that are just as inspiring, entertaining, and captivating as the tales from World War II.

For those looking to expand their horizons into the broader world of ancient history, here is a list to help you plunge into novels that vividly bring the distant past to life and remind us that today’s humanity is not so different from our ancestors.

The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper

An original and immersive read, The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper is a modern masterpiece. The first in a trilogy reimagining women’s lives in Pompeii’s infamous brothel. It’s as brutal as it is a beautiful tale.

Inspired by graffiti uncovered in Pompeii, Harper unflinchingly presents the story of Amara as she and her fellow enslaved “she-wolves” navigate the world of the titular Wolf Den — with female friendships at the forefront of this brilliant novel.

Amara fights for her freedom by any means necessary; she is a cunning character full of strength, depth, and fierceness. The main antagonist, Felix, is the kind of character you love to hate, and their complicated relationship and heart-pounding interactions will leave you on the edge of your seat.

This book takes place a few years before the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It isn’t about royals or well-known historical figures. Instead of showcasing the splendor and elegance of Roman nobles like many novels set in a similar time and setting, The Wolf Den is about the gritty streets of Pompeii and its lower-class citizens.

One unique aspect of Harper’s work is that she uses modern language and dialogue. It feels more accessible, and fans of contemporary novels will enjoy this book.

A story of survival, strength, female bonds, and friendships, this book will captivate from beginning to end. And while the entire trilogy is worth a read, The Wolf Den can stand alone as the strongest of the three.

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman details the siege of Masada in the ancient Judean desert, taking place in the early first century AD.

Hoffman, perhaps best known as the author of Practical Magic, showcases all her talents in this book, pulling no stops. She is the queen of magical realism, blending that with a deep, emotional, and crucial historical fiction novel.

Following four fictional female narrators, The Dovekeepers begins with Yael, the neglected daughter of a father who secretly works as an assassin. The Romans have taken control of her home and are intent on putting down, even eradicating, all the Jews, as they refuse to submit to Roman rule and authority.

We are also introduced to Revka (a baker’s wife), Aziza (a warrior’s daughter), and Shirah (a woman skilled in the healing, medicinal, and magic arts). Each character carries individual secrets, and they all come to work together in Masada’s dovecotes, where the novel derives its name.

Throughout this book, you learn about their escape from Jerusalem and beyond to the mountainous desert fortress that King Herod built generations before. Even though it details the entire Roman siege, this is also a hopeful book with inspirational characters fighting for their way of life.

It’s also full of family drama and romance that will suck you into the ancient world within its pages. This book is an excellent fit for readers of women’s fiction.

A Year of Ravens

A Year of Ravens details the rebellion of red-haired Boudica, a warrior-queen of a tribe in ancient Britain called the Iceni.

Historical fiction of the ancient world, rightly so, can center a lot on the Egyptian, Greek, Middle Eastern, and Roman worlds, but that certainly isn’t fair or encompassing of all the rich cultures from around the ancient world.

A Year of Ravens introduces readers to the mist-shrouded land of ancient Britannia during a bloody period of history between the native Britons and the Romans. Written as a collaborative effort between seven historical fiction authors, each novella can be read as a standalone, but common characters, plots, and storylines weave through each to craft a complete story.

In varying POVs, we hear from a druid, a slave girl, another tribal queen, Boudica’s daughters, her loyal right-hand man, and her enemies. Although the book could have benefited from a POV from Boudica herself, it effectively paints a picture of her actions, motives, and character.

If you like ancient Britain and ancient Rome, chances are you will enjoy A Year of Ravens. It makes for a great introduction to this period of history.

There were some great characters and standout moments, but fair warning: all the depictions of war and bloodshed were very detailed and gory, making this book perfect for fans of epic fantasy.

Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

One of my all-time favorite books, Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray is the first in another trilogy, this time about Cleopatra Selene, daughter of the famous Cleopatra VII.

Lily of the Nile tells her story, which is largely lost to history as Selene never achieved her mother’s fame — or infamy. However, she still became a queen in her own right, of Mauretania instead of Egypt.

Selene is a historical figure with a story of resilience. After the Romans defeated and killed her parents, Selene and her brothers were taken to Rome from their palatial home in Alexandria, Egypt, to be marched in a Roman triumph in chains. Historians believe she is the only one of her siblings to have survived to adulthood, and this series explores that.

In this fictional account, she makes herself useful to Emperor Caesar Augustus, and her loyalty is eventually rewarded with a client queenship. She is a living memorial to the way of life that was so cruelly stripped away from her, often making her defiant and reckless.

We read how Selene adjusts to her new way of life, from being a princess of Egypt to being a ward of her parents’ enemy. The way she deals with change is truly inspiring. We are taken on physical, emotional, and spiritual journeys with Selene, with more in store throughout the rest of the trilogy. She is a fully fleshed-out and realized character.

As it also includes some magical elements, Lily of the Nile would be a great introduction to the genre for fantasy fans. Cleopatra Selene’s story isn’t one you’re likely to ever forget.

The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George

In keeping with the Egyptian theme and saving the largest book for last on this list, The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George may seem a little daunting at first — but it is worth the read.

This book, true to the author’s typical fashion, follows the Egyptian queen’s entire life, from childhood to her tragic death. Rich in detail, we learn all about Cleopatra and can separate the cruel myths and rumors from her real-life story.

Read this to do Cleopatra justice. Forget everything you think you know about her. She is a strong woman in this novel, a powerful queen, yet you also understand her vulnerability.

History is written by the victors, and Cleopatra has been villainized over the years or, at the very least, misunderstood. The author allows her to reclaim her story in this book, which is so well done that you can almost believe Cleopatra wrote it herself.

The Memoirs of Cleopatra is complete with a full cast of characters, lush settings, and adventures. For those looking for an escape, this is the book for you. Once you start reading, it’s almost as if the waters of the Nile and the sands of Egypt are calling to you.

First published in 1997, this is a timeless classic. It’s as if Cleopatra is speaking to us through the ages.

Her insights are startlingly relatable today, and Margaret George brilliantly relays Cleopatra’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. It’s so hard to separate this from the real Cleopatra. You could easily believe these are her long-lost memoirs. This book is a good fit for fans of epics.

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Amanda Larch

Amanda Larch works as a writer and editor when she’s not in the middle of a good book. Learn more about her work and view her portfolio at www.amandalarchwriter.com/ and keep up with her on Goodreads @_groovyginger_.