What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRome
Bruno Heller · Series · 2005
If you loved Rome, start with Roma (Alfonso Cuarón, 2018) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Rome across media.
What hooked you in Rome was the way the grand machinery of empire consistently collides with the messy, intimate lives of individuals.
Books on the same thread
Fall of the Roman Republic
Plutarch · Book · 1958
Shares a thread with Rome: Power Struggles.
If Rome fascinated you with its portrayal of political decay, this biographical work offers the original, unfiltered source material on the power struggles that defined the Republic's final days.
Imperium (Book One)
Robert Harris · Book · 2007
Shares 2 threads with Rome: Ancient Rome, Betrayal.
Like the intricate machinations seen in Rome, this novel captures the high-stakes tension of Roman politics through the perspective of a secretary observing the rise of a legendary statesman.
Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare · Book · 2011
Shares 3 threads with Rome: Betrayal, Historical Drama, Political Drama.
This classic tragedy mirrors the betrayal and ambition found in Rome, focusing on the human cost of political power plays and the manipulation inherent in the transition of leadership.
I, Claudius and Claudius the God
Robert Graves · Book · 1986
Shares a thread with Rome: Power Struggles.
Fans of Rome will appreciate this immersive look at the early Empire, which mirrors the series' focus on the dangerous intersection of family dysfunction and the pursuit of absolute power.
Films on the same thread
Roma
Alfonso Cuarón · Film · 2018
Shares a thread with Rome: Historical Drama.
While set in a different era, this film reflects the grounded, human-centric storytelling of Rome by highlighting the intersection of domestic labor, class divides, and the strength of personal bonds.
Ben-Hur
William Wyler · Film · 1959
Shares a thread with Rome: Betrayal.
This epic captures the same friction between the Roman Empire and those caught beneath its reach, echoing the themes of betrayal and survival that define the world of Rome.
Gladiator
Film · 2000
Explores: Revenge, Honor, Corruption.
If the corruption of the Roman elite in Rome captured your attention, this film offers a visceral look at how power struggles and vengeance play out on the grandest stage.
Troy
Wolfgang Petersen · Film · 2004
Shares a thread with Rome: Betrayal.
Much like Rome, this epic examines how personal vendettas and the pursuit of honor can trigger massive geopolitical shifts, forcing ordinary people to navigate the fallout of elite ambition.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
Though the setting is modern, you will find the same focus on community dynamics and complex interpersonal relationships that grounded the daily lives of the citizens in Rome.
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2026
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
This podcast digs into the same moral ambiguity and consequences of power that made Rome so compelling, providing a deep analytical dive into the history that inspired the series.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Rome a historical account of the Roman Republic?
Rome is a down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans. It is set during the final days of the Roman Republic, focusing on the historical transition period rather than a strictly textbook retelling of events.
What is the focus of the series Rome?
The series Rome provides a grounded look at the daily realities of people living in the last days of the Roman Republic. It highlights the experiences of both ordinary citizens and illustrious figures during this pivotal era of history.
Does Rome feature the lives of ordinary citizens?
Yes, Rome is specifically designed to show a down-to-earth account of the lives of ordinary Romans alongside more illustrious figures. The narrative explores how these diverse groups navigated the societal changes occurring during the last days of the Roman Republic.
When does the show Rome take place?
The show Rome is set during the last days of the Roman Republic. It depicts the lives of people living through this specific period of historical transition, offering a down-to-earth perspective on the era.