If you’ve ever wondered what living in ancient history might have been like, look no further than the novels on this list.
Some of these stories imagine what it might have been like to live in the Roman Empire, with its bustling cities and greedy emperors. Others focus on cultures further back in time, to hundreds or thousands of years before the birth of Jesus.
No matter if you’re looking for historical fiction to feel like an anthropologist or biblical fiction to explore people mentioned in Scripture from another angle, this list has lots of options to consider.
If you’re participating in the Crazy4Fiction Reading Challenge, pick one of these books to fulfill the ancient historical novel prompt!
Daughter of the Rebellion
By Jamie Ogle
Rome, AD 403
Jamie Ogle tells the story of Adelgard, a woman who is imprisoned in a gladiator school to learn how to fight to the death. Even as she becomes a legendary warrior, her fame might not be enough to save herself and those she loves. When word comes that invasion is imminent, Adelgard will become part of a rebellion that will define the course of history.
Mark of the Lion series
By Francine Rivers
Rome, first century AD
The novels in the the Mark of the Lion series follow three characters as they navigate life in first-century Rome. Hadassah is a young Jewish girl holding on to her faith. Marcus, a Roman aristocrat, wonders if there’s more to life than wealth and status. And Atretes, a gladiator who won his freedom, is set on finding his son and bringing him home.
The Advocate
By Randy Singer
Rome, first century AD
From lawyer Randy Singer, The Advocate is a legal thriller set during the time of the early church. As a young man, Theophilus witnesses the trial of Jesus and he comes up with the idea to free Barabbas. He sees an innocent man condemned to death, and it stays with him the rest of his life. Years later, Theophilus defends the apostle Paul in a court rigged against him. Can Theophilus save this innocent man from execution?
The Hidden Prince and The Peasant King
By Tessa Afshar
Babylon, sixth century BC
The Hidden Prince and The Peasant King tell the story of Keren and her daughter Jemmah, who live before and during the reign of a notable king. Keren grows up as Daniel’s scribe until an accident forces her to go to a foreign country to teach a young shepherd boy. Decades later, Keren is kidnapped and Jemmah must sneak into enemy territory to rescue her.
The Pharisee’s Wife
By Janette Oke
Israel, first century AD
Janette Oke came out of retirement to write this novel that was put on her heart about a young Jewish woman who witnesses history’s most life-changing story. Mary is chosen to be the wife of an ambitious Pharisee, though her life isn’t as glamorous as it seems. But then she hears about a miracle-working Prophet who will change everything.
As Sure as the Sea
By Jamie Ogle
Lycian Coast, AD 310
Jamie Ogle brings to life the struggles of living out faith during times of intense persecution in this novel set during the fourth century. Demitria struggles to make a living harvesting coral and pearls by day while secretly supplying fellow believers with provisions at night. But when the Roman Empire’s fury rains down, Demitria must decide if she has the courage to fight for what’s right.
Sons of Encouragement
By Francine Rivers
Various biblical settings
Francine Rivers imagines the stories of five men who stood behind better-known heroes of the faith in this compilation of novellas. Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos, and Silas all faithfully served God from the background. Read as these five men come to life and challenge our thoughts on leadership and service.
The Last Disciple series
By Hank Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer
Rome, first century AD
The Last Disciple series focuses on Gallus Sergius Vitas, a member of Emperor Nero’s inner circle. Vitas struggles to lessen the monstrosities committed against the people of Rome, especially the Christians. And he gains an enemy in Nero’s most trusted advisor, who is looking forward to seeing Vitas’s gruesome death in the arena. But not all is as it seems.
The Brother’s Keeper
By Tracy Groot
Jerusalem, first century AD
Tracy Groot details the last days of Jesus through the eyes of his brother, James. If you’ve ever wondered how Jesus’ family might have reacted after he started his ministry, this novel is for you. James wants a normal life as a carpenter. But once he starts hearing the rumblings against his brother, he tries to find Jesus to talk some sense into him. As he hears what Jesus has done, James will have to decide for himself who his brother really is.
Of Love and Treason
By Jamie Ogle
Rome, AD 270
Jamie Ogle retells the story of St. Valentine like you’ve never experienced it before. In ancient Rome, Valentine defies the emperor’s marriage ban by performing ceremonies in secret. And he might be Iris’s one hope of regaining her sight. As they are drawn together during a treacherous time, they begin to hope for a future even as they fight for their lives.
A Lineage of Grace
By Francine Rivers
Various biblical settings
Francine Rivers tells the stories of five women in the lineage of Jesus in this beloved classic compilation of novellas. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary all faced extraordinary challenges with courage. Read as these five women come to life and offer inspiration for us today.
Jewel of the Nile
By Tessa Afshar
Rome and Cush, first century AD
Inspired by the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in the New Testament, Jewel of the Nile tells the story of Chariline who grew up without her father. But once she discovers he is alive, she’ll stop at nothing to find him. Including hiding aboard a merchant ship.
Daughter of Rome
By Tessa Afshar
Rome and Corinth, first century AD
Priscilla and Aquila are early church leaders mentioned in the biblical book of Acts, and here Tessa Afshar depicts their romance and life together. Priscilla is the daughter of a Roman general hiding a secret and Aquila is a disinherited Jewish immigrant bent on proving his worth. As they grow closer, their lives get incredibly complicated, culminating with the emperor banishing them from their home. They join forces with Paul to turn treachery into redemption.
The Stones of My Accusers
By Tracy Groot
Caesarea, first century AD
This story of two fictional women takes place in the days following Jesus’ resurrection. Jorah, a sister of Jesus, is too concerned with finding the answers she needs to consider the rumors about her brother’s resurrection. Meanwhile, Rivkah fights to keep a beloved tree from being cut down . . . and to hide her most shameful secret.
Thief of Corinth
By Tessa Afshar
Corinth, first century AD
Corinth was an ancient city filled with commerce, a perfect place for thieves to thrive. In this novel, Tessa Afshar imagines a Robin Hood-like character who steals from corrupt leaders and enlists his daughter, Ariadne, as a reluctant apprentice. They hear a radical message that challenges everything they’ve fought to build, but then the wrong person discovers their secret.
Bread of Angels
By Tessa Afshar
Philippi, first century AD
This story depicts the life of Lydia of Philippi, a merchant of purple cloth, from the book of Acts. In this portrayal, Lydia arrives in Philippi with only her secret dye formulas after being betrayed in her hometown. As she grows to become one of the city’s leading merchants, so does her fear of being discovered. But a chance meeting with the apostle Paul changes Lydia’s life forever.
Madman
By Tracy Groot
Palestine, first century AD
An imagined look at the Gerasene demoniac from the Gospels, Madman focuses on what happened to an elite school on the Sea of Galilee. A servant is sent to check on the scholars and discovers one was murdered, one committed suicide, one worships at the temple of Dionysus, and one has become a madman. The story offers hope in the midst of unimaginable darkness.
Land of Silence
By Tessa Afshar
Jerusalem, first century AD
Based on the story of the woman with the issue of blood found in the Gospels, this novel imagines much more about the fictional Elianna than the Bible relates. As tragedy plagues her life, Elianna is cut off from society by a mysterious illness that no physician can cure. But then she hears whispers of man whose mere touch can heal.
