All in Antiquity
Robert Harris' “CONSPIRATA”
Much of the novel portrays events, conspiracies, and betrayals that, in ancient Rome at least, could never be overcome by “trying to do the right thing.”
Richard Foreman’s “SWORD OF EMPIRE: CENTURION”
The SWORD OF EMPIRE series of short novels follows the exploits of centurion Gaius Oppius Maximus, chief military troubleshooter to emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Robert Harris’ “IMPERIUM”
What’s amazing about this novel is that so much is based on fact.
Richard Foreman's SWORD OF EMPIRE: PRAETORIAN
SWORD OF EMPIRE: PRAETORIAN is a fast and entertaining read.
Dan Simmons' ILIUM
While I would not put this in the same class as my favorites by Stephenson (e.g., Diamond Age) and Vinge (e.g., A Deepness in the Sky) it’s still pretty darn good and I look forward to the sequel.