Books to Read Before or While Traveling in Italy

Here are a few of the books I have read or plan to read while traveling in Italy.

Robert Harris is always a go to author when I want to read about ancient Rome. His Ancient Rome Trilogy is recognized as one of his most accomplished works.

This trilogy follows Senator Marcus Cicero in his quest to achieve supreme power. Beginning in 64 B.C. the trilogy follows Cicero’s rise to power, using nothing but his intellect and his gifts as an orator. I have read the first two books in this trilogy (Imperium and Conspirata) and the third, Dictator, will be released on October 16!

Pompeii by Robert Harris is another on my list. this book takes us back to the days and weeks Pompeii leading up to the eruption of Vesuvius, by following a young engineer named Marcus Attilius Primus who has been sent to look at the aqueduct that provides water to the area around Naples. There have been problems with the water flow and Attilius, believes the problem may be found on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Lindsey Davis and her Marcus Didius Falco series contain a wealth Two for theLions of information about ancient Italy and how people lived. Falco is consistently called on to solve crimes or murders. The book I am currently reading, “Two For the Lions,“ takes place in the Coliseum where a murder has occurred.

Conn Iggulden has also written a series on Julius Caesar, tracing his life from his early years until he becomes Emperor. I really like Conn Iggulden and hope to read some of this series al long the way! The series consists of five books- The Gates of Rome, The Death of Kings, The Field of Swords, The Gods of War and The Blood of Gods