What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedCenturion
Neil Marshall · Film · 2010
If you loved Centurion, start with Spartacus (Steven S. DeKnight, 2010) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Centurion across media.
If Centurion gripped you, it is because you crave the visceral, desperate experience of survival against overwhelming odds in a hostile, unforgiving landscape.
Books on the same thread
The Winter King
Bernard Cornwell · Book · 1997
Explores: Post-Roman Britain, Warrior Culture, Religious Conflict.
Like the soldiers in Centurion, you will find yourself immersed in the brutal, shifting loyalties of post-Roman Britain where every warrior must fight to survive in a violent land.
The Martian
Andy Weir · Book · 2015
Explores: Resourcefulness, Human Ingenuity, Isolation.
You enjoyed the relentless pursuit and survival mechanics in Centurion, and this story mirrors that intensity by forcing a protagonist to rely on pure ingenuity to stay alive alone.
Atonement
Ian McEwan · Book · 2007
Explores: Guilt and Atonement, Childhood Trauma, Class Conflict.
The weight of historical conflict and the personal toll of war that defined Centurion are captured here through a lens of deep regret and the enduring impact of trauma.
Enemy of God
Bernard Cornwell · Book · 1998
Explores: Political Intrigue, Betrayal, Warfare.
The political betrayal and constant military threat that plagued the legionnaires in Centurion return in this narrative, highlighting the dangers of navigating a world where enemies pose as friends.
Series on the same thread
Spartacus
Steven S. DeKnight · Series · 2010
Shares 2 threads with Centurion: Revenge, Sword and Sandal.
The visceral, high-stakes combat and themes of rebellion against an established empire will satisfy the same thirst for gritty, character-driven action that you experienced while watching Centurion.
Rome
Bruno Heller · Series · 2005
Explores: Ancient Rome, Roman Empire, Power Struggles.
If the Roman military machinery in Centurion fascinated you, this series offers a deeper look at the internal power struggles and political machinations that governed that ancient, sprawling empire.
Vikings
Michael Hirst · Series · 2013
Explores: Power Struggle, Exploration, Warrior Culture.
The rugged warrior culture and the focus on a band of brothers navigating a hostile, foreign territory will feel familiar to anyone who followed the Ninth Legion in Centurion.
The Last Kingdom
Stephen Butchard · Series · 2015
Explores: warrior culture, identity crisis, cultural clash.
The intense cultural clash and the struggle for survival in a fractured, post-Roman landscape echo the core tension found in Centurion, grounding the epic scale in personal, gritty warfare.
Podcasts on the same thread
The History of Rome
Mike Duncan · Podcast
Explores: imperial decline, political machinations, societal collapse.
This podcast provides the necessary historical context for the Roman expansionism depicted in Centurion, detailing the very imperial decline and political instability that fueled the Ninth Legion's desperate journey.
A History of the World in 100 Objects
BBC Radio 4 · Podcast
Explores: human evolution, global interconnectedness, artifact significance.
The artifacts discussed here bring to life the material reality of the ancient world, offering a tangible connection to the historical period that served as the backdrop for Centurion.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Centurion based on historical events?
Centurion is set in Britain during A.D. 117. The plot follows the Roman Ninth Legion as they march north to confront the Picts and their leader, Gorlacon, following a raid on a frontier fort that leaves Quintus Dias as the sole survivor.
What is the primary mission of the Ninth Legion in Centurion?
In Centurion, the legendary Ninth Legion is ordered to march north into hostile territory. Their specific mission is to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader, Gorlacon, after a raid on a Roman frontier fort.
Who is the main protagonist of Centurion?
The main protagonist of Centurion is Quintus Dias. He is introduced as the sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort before joining General Virilus and the Ninth Legion on their mission to the north.
Does Centurion feature the Ninth Legion?
Yes, the Ninth Legion is central to the plot of Centurion. Led by General Virilus, the legion marches north to engage the Picts after Quintus Dias survives a raid on a Roman frontier fort.