Ben Kane is one of historical fiction’s most versatile authors, known for his meticulously researched military adventures that span Ancient Rome, Hannibal’s campaigns, Viking Ireland, the Crusades, and the Napoleonic Wars. With 11 Sunday Times bestsellers and over 2.25 million books sold worldwide, Kane has established himself as a master of bringing history’s bloodiest battles and most compelling characters to vivid life.
Kane’s unique background as a veterinarian-turned-novelist lends authenticity to his writing, particularly in battle scenes and historical details. His commitment to research is legendary. He has walked the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall twice in full Roman military gear, followed Spartacus’ trail across Italy, and cycled from Barcelona to Rome over the Alps on Hannibal’s route. In 2016, Bristol University recognized his historical scholarship with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, a rare honor for a fiction writer.
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Early Life and Background
Ben Kane was born on March 6, 1970, in Nairobi, Kenya, where his father worked as a veterinarian for the Kenyan government. When Kane was seven, his family moved to Ireland (where his parents are from), and he grew up in Dundalk, County Louth, about 50 miles north of Dublin. From an early age, Kane was an avid reader who spent nearly all his pocket money on books, devouring everything from Rosemary Sutcliffe’s Eagle of the Ninth to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Despite his love of reading, Kane never considered studying English or pursuing a career in writing. As an animal lover, he had always aspired to be a veterinarian, just like his father. He attended University College Dublin, where he earned his degree in veterinary medicine after completing a five-year program of study.
Writing Career
Kane’s path to becoming a novelist was far from direct. In 1996, he moved to the UK to work in small animal practice. However, his “itchy feet” took him abroad in 1997 on a three-month solo trip hiking along part of the ancient Silk Road. Visiting the ruins of Merv in Turkmenistan sparked his interest in the Roman campaign into Parthia in 53 BC. In 1998, he embarked on a nearly three-year trip around the world, during which he first began to consider writing military historical fiction.
After returning to the UK, Kane worked as a veterinarian during the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease crisis in Northumberland. The awful work of slaughtering livestock was offset by his downtime spent visiting Roman sites and museums along Hadrian’s Wall, where his passion for ancient history truly ignited.
Kane finished his first manuscript in 2004, the story of a centurion living on Hadrian’s Wall. After attending an Arvon Foundation Course in 2005, he moved from rural Shropshire to Bristol to take a veterinary job with fewer hours, allowing more time to write. He signed with literary agent Charlie Viney in January 2006, but his agent suggested the first manuscript wasn’t exciting enough. Kane began working on a new idea that quickly became The Forgotten Legion.
The manuscript was sent to publishing houses in July 2007, sparking a bidding war among six major publishers. Preface, a new imprint of Random House, won with a three-book deal in September 2007. The Forgotten Legion was published in May 2008, launching Kane’s career as a bestselling historical novelist.
Awards and Recognition
Kane’s commitment to historical research has earned him significant recognition. In 2016, Bristol University conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in recognition of his historical research, an exceptional honor for a fiction writer. The university praised his “absolute dedication to research in the field” and his practice of literally walking in the footsteps of his historical characters.
In 2013, Kane and two author friends walked the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall for charity while wearing full Roman military kit, including hobnailed boots. They raised nearly £19,000 for Combat Stress and Médecins Sans Frontières. In 2014, they walked again in Italy from Capua to Rome (following Spartacus’ route), raising over £26,500. A documentary film was made about their walk, entitled “The Road to Rome,” with Sir Ian McKellen providing the voiceover.
Eleven of Kane’s novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers, many in the top five. His 2011 novel, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, made the Sunday Times bestseller list and established him as a leading voice in ancient military fiction. Wilbur Smith has called him “the rising star of historical fiction.”
In October 2024, Amazon, MGM Studios, and Scott Free Productions acquired the dramatic rights to A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii, a collaborative work Kane co-authored.
Writing Style and Approach
Kane’s writing is characterized by meticulous historical research, visceral battle scenes, and complex character development. His background as a veterinarian gives him a unique ability to describe combat injuries and animal sacrifices with unflinching realism. As one reviewer noted, “Historical fiction has never been more visceral.”
Kane’s research methodology is extraordinarily hands-on. He has:
- Walked Hadrian’s Wall twice in full Roman military gear (over 500 miles total in authentic kit)
- Followed Spartacus’ trail across Italy
- Stood at Cannae, imagining Hannibal’s army meeting Rome’s legions
- Cycled from Barcelona to Rome over the Alps on Hannibal’s route
- Led historical tours in Italy and Germany
He maintains that “research is an intimate part of writing historical fiction. It’s the foundation upon which each good story rests. Without a good basis in reality or fact, historical fiction becomes either historical fantasy or alternate history.”
His novels include comprehensive endnotes detailing his text-based research, extensive bibliographies, and fieldwork at archaeological sites. He references ancient historians like Tacitus, Cassius Dio, and Pliny, providing what he calls “a route to the past.”
Kane’s writing appeals to readers who love:
- Authentic, detailed battle scenes
- Character-driven military adventure
- Historical accuracy without sacrificing pace
- Multiple historical periods and settings
- Gritty realism combined with emotional depth
Ben Kane Series in Reading Order
Forgotten Legion Chronicles
Setting: 1st century BC, Roman Republic
Number of Books: 3 books (complete)
Main Characters: Romulus, Fabiola (twins sold into slavery), Brennus (Gallic gladiator), Tarquinius (Etruscan soothsayer)
Kane’s debut series follows four characters whose lives intersect in the brutal world of ancient Rome. Twin siblings Romulus and Fabiola are torn apart when sold into slavery. Romulus becomes a gladiator and eventually joins the Forgotten Legion (Roman soldiers abandoned in Parthia), while his sister Fabiola must navigate the treacherous world of Roman high society.
Reading Order:
- The Forgotten Legion (2008) – Romulus and Fabiola are sold into slavery after their mother is murdered. Romulus becomes a gladiator in the school at Capua, where he meets Brennus the Gaul and Tarquinius the soothsayer. Their paths lead to the doomed Roman expedition into Parthia.
- The Silver Eagle (2009) – The Forgotten Legion survivors must fight their way back to Rome while Fabiola rises in Roman society. Their journey takes them through the wars in Gaul under Julius Caesar against Vercingetorix.
- The Road to Rome (2010) – The final book brings the twins’ storylines together as they navigate the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, seeking vengeance and reunion.
Hannibal Series
Setting: 3rd-2nd century BC, Second Punic War
Number of Books: 4 books (3 published, 1 forthcoming)
Main Characters: Hanno (Carthaginian officer), Quintus (Roman cavalryman), Aurelia
This series chronicles Rome’s greatest enemy, Hannibal Barca, and the Second Punic War through the eyes of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Kane brings to life the famous battles of Lake Trasimene, Cannae, and Zama.
Reading Order:
- Enemy of Rome (2011) – (Also titled Hannibal: Enemy of Rome) introduces Hanno, a young Carthaginian nobleman who becomes one of Hannibal’s officers, and Quintus, a Roman cavalryman. Their friendship is tested when Hannibal crosses the Alps with elephants to invade Italy.
- Fields of Blood (2013) – Chronicles the devastating Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, where Hannibal’s tactical genius destroys a Roman army twice his size.
- Clouds of War (2014) – Follows the years after Cannae as Rome recovers and the war continues across multiple fronts in Italy, Sicily, and Spain.
- A Land Aflame (June 2026) – The forthcoming conclusion to the series, expected to cover the final confrontation between Hannibal and Scipio Africanus at the Battle of Zama.
Short Story: The Patrol (2013) – A novella set during the winter of 218 BC, following Hanno on a dangerous patrol in Cisalpine Gaul.
Spartacus Duology
Setting: 73-71 BC, Third Servile War
Number of Books: 2 books (complete)
Main Characters: Spartacus, Ariadne (his wife, a Dionysian priestess), Crixus
Kane returns to the source material to present a historically grounded version of Spartacus’ famous slave revolt against Rome, bringing a fresh perspective to one of history’s most legendary figures.
Reading Order:
- The Gladiator (2012) – (Also titled Spartacus: The Gladiator) Spartacus, a Thracian auxiliary who is betrayed into slavery, becomes a gladiator at the ludus in Capua. When conditions become unbearable, he leads a desperate breakout that grows into a full-scale rebellion.
- Rebellion (2012) – (Also titled Spartacus: Rebellion) The slave army grows to tens of thousands as Spartacus defeats Roman legions. The novel chronicles the rebellion’s victories and ultimate defeat as Rome brings its full military might to bear.
Eagles of Rome Series
Setting: 9-16 AD, Roman Germany
Number of Books: 6 books (complete)
Main Characters: Centurion Lucius Tullus, Arminius
This series dramatizes one of Rome’s greatest military disasters, the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, where three Roman legions were annihilated by Germanic tribes, as well as the subsequent campaigns for vengeance.
Reading Order:
- Eagles at War (2015) – September 9 AD. Three Roman legions under Varus march into the Teutoburg Forest, led into an ambush by Arminius, a Germanic chieftain who had served in the Roman army. Centurion Tullus must survive the slaughter.
- Hunting the Eagles (2016) – Five years after the disaster, Tullus is obsessed with recovering the legion standards (eagles) lost in the forest and avenging his fallen comrades.
- Eagles in the Storm (2017) – The campaign continues as Roman legions push deeper into Germania, hunting for the remaining eagles and Arminius himself.
- Eagles in the Wilderness (2019) – Tullus leads dangerous missions into hostile Germanic territory.
- Eagles in the East (2020) – The series expands to cover Roman military operations in the Eastern Empire.
Short Stories:
- The Shrine (2015) – Centurion Tullus discovers that fate will always hold surprises.
- The Arena (2016) – A gladiator story set during the reign of Caligula.
Lionheart Trilogy
Setting: 1179-1194 AD, Third Crusade and aftermath
Number of Books: 3 books (complete)
Main Characters: Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), Ferdia/Rufus (Irish nobleman)
Kane’s medieval trilogy follows Richard I through his campaigns before and during the Third Crusade, told through the eyes of Ferdia, an Irish nobleman who becomes Richard’s loyal squire.
Reading Order:
- Lionheart (2020) – 1179. Ferdia, an Irish nobleman taken hostage, saves Prince Richard’s life and becomes his squire. They fight campaigns in Aquitaine against the French, earning Richard his legendary name.
- Crusader (2021) – 1189. Newly crowned King Richard sets out on the Third Crusade to reclaim Jerusalem from Saladin. The novel covers the siege of Acre and the march to Jerusalem.
- King (2022) – Autumn 1192. With Jerusalem still in Saracen hands and a peace treaty signed with Saladin, Richard begins his perilous journey home, facing enemies at every turn, including his treacherous brother John.
Clash of Empires Duology
Setting: 198-197 BC, Second Macedonian War
Number of Books: 2 books (complete)
Main Characters: Felix (Roman legionary), Demetrios (Macedonian phalangite)
This series depicts the Roman conquest of Greece and Macedonia, told from both Roman and Greek perspectives during Philip V’s war against Rome.
Reading Order:
- Clash of Empires (2018) – The Roman Republic sets its sights on Greece. Felix, a Roman legionary, and Demetrios, a Macedonian soldier, find themselves on opposite sides of an epic conflict.
- The Falling Sword (2020) – The war reaches its climax as General Flamininus gathers his legions for the final strike against King Philip’s mighty phalanx at the Battle of Cynoscephalae.
Stormcrow Series
Setting: 999-1000 AD, Viking Age Ireland
Number of Books: Series ongoing (1 published)
Main Character: Finn/Stormcrow (half-Irish, half-Norse warrior)
Kane’s newest series explores Viking Age Ireland at the turn of the millennium, featuring a warrior torn between his Irish heritage and Norse upbringing.
Reading Order:
- Stormcrow (May 2024) – Finn, born to an Irish mother and Norse father, earns his warrior name Stormcrow as he raids the Irish coastline seeking vengeance for his murdered father. He navigates the political intrigue between Irish kings and Norse settlements at the court of High King Máel Sechnaill and in the city of Dyflin (Dublin).
- Book 2 – Expected 2025-2026 (title not yet announced)
Standalone Novels
Ben Kane has also written standalone novels outside his series:
- The March (2018) – A standalone adventure set in the ancient world.
- Napoleon’s Spy (May 2023) – Kane’s first foray into the Napoleonic era, following a Russian spy during Napoleon’s disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia. The novel chronicles the brutal march to and from Moscow.
- Rome (May 2025) – Kane returns to ancient Rome with an upcoming standalone focusing on the fall of the city. Early reviews praise it as “a masterpiece of late Rome” and “epic in scope and intimate in historical detail.”
Collaborative Work:
- A Day of Fire (2014) – A collaborative novel about Pompeii featuring contributions from Kane and other historical fiction authors. In October 2024, dramatic rights were sold to Amazon, MGM Studios, and Scott Free Productions.
Short Story Collections:
- Sands of the Arena and Other Stories (2022) – A collection of new and previously published short stories, available in print for the first time. Includes “Sands of the Arena” (a gladiator must survive a bloody contest ordered by Emperor Caligula), “The Shrine” (Centurion Tullus), and “Io Saturnalia!” (2023).
Forthcoming:
- Cannae: The Longest Day (September 2026) – Expected release focusing on Hannibal’s greatest victory.
Where to Start with Ben Kane
Best First Book
Recommendation: The Forgotten Legion
Kane’s debut novel remains the best entry point to his work. It introduces all the elements that make his writing compelling: meticulously researched historical detail, visceral battle scenes, complex characters, and multiple storylines that weave together. The novel begins with accessible characters (enslaved twins) in the familiar world of gladiatorial combat before expanding into the exotic setting of Parthia. It’s the start of a completed trilogy, so you can continue the story immediately if hooked.
If You Want…
Ancient Rome military fiction: Start with Eagles at War (first in Eagles of Rome series). This series features Kane’s most mature writing and recounts one of Rome’s most infamous disasters.
Hannibal and the Punic Wars: Start with Enemy of Rome (first in the Hannibal series). Perfect for fans of ancient military strategy and those interested in seeing history from both sides of a conflict.
Epic gladiator adventure: Begin with The Gladiator (the first installment in the Spartacus duology). Kane’s take on Spartacus is both historically grounded and thrilling.
Medieval warfare and Crusades: Start with Lionheart. A great choice for readers who want a break from ancient Rome while still enjoying Kane’s signature battle scenes and research.
Viking Age adventure: Start with Stormcrow. Kane’s newest series showcases his versatility, bringing the same rigor to Irish Vikings that he brought to Roman legions.
Quick standalone introduction: Try Napoleon’s Spy for a complete story in one book, and to see Kane tackle a different era.
Books by Time Period
Ancient Rome (1st Century BC – 1st Century AD)
- Forgotten Legion Chronicles (1st century BC)
- Spartacus duology (73-71 BC)
- Hannibal series (3rd-2nd century BC)
- Eagles of Rome series (9-16 AD)
- Clash of Empires duology (198-197 BC)
Medieval Era (11th-12th Century AD)
- Lionheart trilogy (1179-1194 AD)
Viking Age
- Stormcrow series (999-1000 AD)
Napoleonic Era (19th Century)
- Napoleon’s Spy (1812 AD)
Explore more books about Ancient Rome
Popular Ben Kane Series
Eagles of Rome Series
The Eagles of Rome series represents Kane at his finest, tackling one of Roman history’s most traumatic events with unflinching realism and emotional depth. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in September 9 AD saw three Roman legions (XVII, XVIII, and XIX) completely destroyed by Germanic tribes led by Arminius, a former Roman auxiliary officer. Rome lost nearly 20,000 men and three precious legion standards (eagles) in a disaster that haunted the empire for generations.
Kane tells this story through Centurion Lucius Tullus, a career soldier who survives the ambush and becomes obsessed with recovering the lost eagles and avenging his fallen comrades. The series brilliantly captures the brutal realities of Roman military life, the complex relationship between Romans and Germanic tribes, and the personal cost of Rome’s imperial ambitions.
What makes this series exceptional is Kane’s dual perspective approach. While Tullus represents Rome’s professional military machine, Arminius embodies the Germanic tribes’ desperate fight for freedom. Neither side is presented as purely heroic or villainous. Kane shows Arminius as both liberator and destroyer, while Roman characters range from honorable soldiers to incompetent commanders.
The battle scenes are among the most visceral in historical fiction. Kane’s description of the three-day ambush in the Teutoburg Forest is masterful, conveying the terror, exhaustion, and hopelessness of soldiers being systematically destroyed in hostile terrain. His research into Roman military tactics, equipment, and camp life shines throughout.
Perfect for readers who love: Military historical fiction, Roman history, character-driven war stories, revenge narratives, battles from multiple perspectives, and historically accurate military detail.
Hannibal Series
Kane’s Hannibal series brings fresh life to one of history’s most written-about conflicts, the Second Punic War. Rather than focusing solely on famous generals, Kane tells the story through the eyes of young officers on both sides: Hanno, a Carthaginian nobleman serving under Hannibal, and Quintus, a Roman cavalryman whose life intersects with Hanno’s in unexpected ways.
The series’s greatest strength is its balanced perspective. Kane shows Hannibal as both a brilliant strategist and a ruthless commander, while depicting the Romans as neither invincible victors nor incompetent losers. The friendship between Hanno and Quintus, forged before the war and tested during it, serves as an emotional anchor that elevates the narrative above mere military adventure.
Kane’s recreation of famous battles, such as Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and especially Cannae, is extraordinary. His description of Cannae, where Hannibal’s 50,000 troops destroyed a Roman army of 80,000, is a masterclass in depicting ancient warfare. You can almost feel the crushing press of bodies, smell the blood and fear, and understand the tactical genius that turned apparent defeat into total victory.
The series also excels at depicting the broader war, from Spain to Sicily, as well as the political maneuvering in both Rome and Carthage. Kane captures how a conflict that nearly destroyed Rome ultimately became a tragedy for both sides, with Carthage’s defeat ensuring its destruction and Rome’s victory coming at an enormous cost.
Perfect for readers who love: Ancient military history, Hannibal and Rome, strategic warfare, character relationships tested by war, exploring history from multiple perspectives, and epic scope across years and continents.
Forgotten Legion Chronicles
Kane’s debut series remains a fan favorite for its accessible entry point to Roman history and its emotional core. The story of twins Romulus and Fabiola, torn apart by slavery and seeking reunion, provides a powerful human story within the vast canvas of Roman history.
What makes this series work is Kane’s skill at juggling multiple storylines. Romulus’ journey from slave to gladiator to soldier in the Forgotten Legion (Roman troops abandoned in Parthia) is pure adventure, with battle scenes and exotic locations. Fabiola’s rise through Roman high society presents a distinct kind of tension, as she must utilize her intelligence and determination to navigate a world dominated by powerful men.
The supporting characters are equally strong. Brennus, the Gallic gladiator seeking vengeance against Rome, provides both mentorship and tragedy. Tarquinius, the Etruscan soothsayer, adds supernatural elements while remaining grounded in actual Roman beliefs about prophecy and divination.
Kane uses these personal stories to explore major historical events: the gladiator schools at Capua, Crassus’ disastrous Parthian campaign, Caesar’s conquest of Gaul, and the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. The series illustrates how the ambitions of generals and politicians shape the lives of ordinary people.
Perfect for readers who love: Gladiator fiction, epic family sagas, multiple POV narratives, Roman Republic history, adventure across continents, emotional character arcs, and sibling bonds tested by fate.
Awards and Recognition
- Honorary Doctor of Letters – University of Bristol (2016) – for historical research
- 11 Sunday Times Bestsellers – including multiple top-five placements
- Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller – Hannibal: Enemy of Rome (2011)
- Documentary Feature – The Road to Rome (narrated by Sir Ian McKellen)
- Charity Achievement – Raised over £45,000 through Hadrian’s Wall walks (2013-2014)
- Dramatic Rights Sale – A Day of Fire to Amazon, MGM Studio,s and Scott Free Productions (2024)
Writing Schedule and Upcoming Books
Latest Releases
Stormcrow (May 2024) – Kane’s most recent release marks his expansion into Viking Age Ireland, receiving strong reviews for its vivid depiction of Norse-Irish conflict at the turn of the millennium.
Rome (May 2025) – Kane returns to his ancient Roman roots with a standalone novel about the fall of Rome. Early reviews describe it as “a masterpiece of late Rome” and praise its epic scope, combined with intimate character detail.
Upcoming Releases
A Land Aflame (May 2026) – The long-awaited fourth book in the Hannibal series, expected to cover the final confrontation at the Battle of Zama and Hannibal’s ultimate fate.
Cannae: The Longest Day (2026) – A detailed examination of Hannibal’s greatest victory, though the exact release date has not yet been confirmed.
Imperatrix (May 2025) – Described as covering late Roman history, with advance praise calling it “epic in scope and intimate in historical detail.”
Stormcrow Book 2 (Expected 2025-2026) – The second installment in Kane’s Viking Age Ireland series. Title not yet announced.
Kane typically publishes one to two novels per year. He signed a four-book deal with Orion in May 2023, ensuring readers can expect new releases through at least 2026-2027.
Current Projects
Kane maintains an active social media presence (Twitter: @BenKaneAuthor, Facebook: benkanebooks, Instagram: benkanewrites) where he shares research updates, historical tidbits, and news about upcoming releases. He also leads historical tours in Italy and Germany through Hidden History, allowing fans to walk ancient battlefields with him.
Similar Authors You’ll Enjoy
If you enjoy Ben Kane’s work, you might also like:
- Simon Scarrow – Author of the Eagles of the Empire series featuring Macro and Cato. A similar focus on Roman military fiction, with meticulous attention to the life of legions and military tactics. Scarrow’s work shares Kane’s commitment to authentic battle scenes.
- Conn Iggulden – Best known for his Emperor series about Julius Caesar and the Conqueror series about Genghis Khan. Like Kane, Iggulden excels at depicting ancient warfare and constructing multi-book narratives centered on historical figures.
- Bernard Cornwell – The master of military historical fiction, from Saxon England (The Last Kingdom) to the Napoleonic Wars (Sharpe). Kane shares Cornwell’s ability to make battles visceral and his focus on career soldiers as protagonists.
- Anthony Riches – Author of the Empire series set on Hadrian’s Wall during the 2nd century AD. Riches’ focus on Roman military life and northern frontier operations complements Kane’s Eagles of Rome series perfectly.
- Giles Kristian – Known for his Raven trilogy about Vikings and the Bleeding Land trilogy about the English Civil War. Like Kane, Kristian combines thorough research with brutal, visceral combat scenes and strong character development.
- Christian Cameron – Author of the Long War series set in ancient Greece and the Chivalry series set during the Hundred Years’ War. Cameron’s expertise in historical military tactics and weapons matches Kane’s level of detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ben Kane’s best book?
Ben Kane’s “best” book depends on your interests. For ancient Rome fans, Eagles at War showcases his most mature writing and covers the famous Teutoburg Forest disaster. For newcomers to his work, The Forgotten Legion provides the most accessible entry point, offering compelling characters and a complete trilogy to follow. Enemy of Rome (the first Hannibal novel) is often cited as his best standalone starting point. Readers consistently rank the entire Eagles of Rome series as his finest work for its balance of character, history, and action.
In what order should I read Ben Kane’s books?
Each Ben Kane series is designed to be read in publication order, which is also chronological order within each series. Start with the first book of whichever series interests you most. The series is independent of each other (except where noted), so you can read the Spartacus books without having read the Forgotten Legion books, for example. For readers who want to experience Kane’s evolution as a writer, start with The Forgotten Legion (2008) and work forward chronologically by publication date.
Is Ben Kane historically accurate?
Yes, Kane is known for exceptional historical accuracy. His novels include comprehensive author’s notes explaining which elements are historical facts and which are fictional inventions. He conducts extensive fieldwork, walking battlefields and ancient routes in authentic gear. His research earned him an honorary Doctor of Letters from Bristol University in 2016. That said, Kane emphasizes that he writes historical fiction, not history textbooks. He takes creative liberties with dialogue, character thoughts, and minor details while maintaining fidelity to major historical events, military tactics, and social conditions. Ancient sources about many periods are incomplete or contradictory, so Kane makes informed choices about how to fill gaps.
What time periods does Ben Kane write about?
Kane primarily focuses on ancient Rome and its enemies (3rd century BC through 1st century AD), covering the Second Punic War, the late Roman Republic, Spartacus’ revolt, and the early Roman Empire. His Eagles of Rome series covers 9-16 AD in Germania. He has also written about the Third Crusade and medieval warfare (1179-1194 AD), Viking Age Ireland (999-1000 AD), and the Napoleonic Wars (1812). While best known for Roman military fiction, Kane has proven his versatility across different eras.
Are Ben Kane’s books appropriate for all ages?
Kane’s books contain graphic violence, realistic battle descriptions, some sexual content, and strong language appropriate to the periods depicted. They are written for adult audiences, typically recommended for readers 16 and older. The violence is historically accurate rather than gratuitous, but battles are described with unflinching realism, including injuries, death, and the brutal realities of ancient warfare. Parents should preview books before recommending them to younger teens. Kane does not shy away from the harsh realities of slavery, war, and ancient societies.
Has Ben Kane’s work been adapted for TV or film?
As of December 2024, none of Kane’s novels have been adapted for television or film as standalone productions. However, in October 2024, Amazon, MGM Studios, and Scott Free Productions acquired the dramatic rights to A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii, which Kane co-authored with other historical fiction writers. This marks his first work with potential for adaptation to the screen. Given the success of historical fiction adaptations like The Last Kingdom, there is ongoing fan interest in seeing Kane’s Eagles of Rome or Spartacus series adapted.
What makes Ben Kane different from other Roman fiction authors?
Kane’s unique background as a veterinarian gives his descriptions of injuries and death an unsettling authenticity. His commitment to experiential research (walking Hadrian’s Wall in full Roman kit, following Hannibal’s route over the Alps) is extraordinary even among historical fiction authors. He excels at dual-perspective narratives that humanize both sides of conflicts. His author’s notes are exceptionally detailed, showing his research process and sources. Kane also possesses rare versatility, successfully writing across multiple eras, from ancient Carthage to Napoleonic France and Viking Ireland, rather than specializing in a single period.
How many books has Ben Kane written?
As of December 2024, Ben Kane has published 27 books, with more forthcoming. This includes 6 major series (Forgotten Legion, Hannibal, Spartacus, Eagles of Rome, Lionheart, Clash of Empires, Stormcrow), multiple standalone novels, short story collections, and collaborative works. He has sold over 2.25 million copies worldwide, translated into 15 languages.
Does Ben Kane still write?
Yes, Kane is actively writing and has recently signed a four-book deal with Orion, effective May 2023. His most recent novel, Stormcrow, was published in May 2024. He has multiple books scheduled for release through 2026, including Rome (May 2025), A Land Aflame (May 2026), and Cannae: The Longest Day (2026). He lives in Somerset, England, where he writes full-time while also leading historical tours and supporting the Park in the Past Roman fort-building project near Chester.
Where can I meet Ben Kane or follow his work?
Kane is active on social media: Twitter (@BenKaneAuthor), Facebook (benkanebooks), and Instagram (benkanewrites). He regularly posts about his research, upcoming releases, and historical tidbits. His official website is www.benkane.net. He leads historical tours in Italy and Germany through Hidden History, offering fans the chance to walk ancient battlefields alongside him. He also makes appearances at historical fiction conventions and book festivals in the UK.
What should I read after finishing a Ben Kane series?
If you loved the Eagles of Rome series, try Kane’s Forgotten Legion Chronicles for more Roman military fiction, or switch to Simon Scarrow’s Eagles of the Empire series. After the Hannibal series, consider Kane’s Clash of Empires (Rome vs. Macedonia) or Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series. If the Lionheart trilogy left you wanting more medieval warfare, try Bernard Cornwell’s Grail Quest series. For readers who want Kane’s signature battle scenes in a different setting, start his Stormcrow Viking series. Kane’s versatility allows you to experience radically different time periods while maintaining the same high quality of research and action.
Is Ben Kane’s Spartacus related to the TV series?
No, Kane’s Spartacus novels are independent of the Starz television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Kane published his first Spartacus novel (The Gladiator) in 2012, after the TV series had aired, but his work draws directly from ancient historical sources rather than the show. Kane’s Spartacus is more historically grounded than the TV series, with less stylized violence and more emphasis on historical accuracy. Readers who enjoyed the TV show’s premise but want a more historically faithful version will appreciate Kane’s interpretation.
Conclusion
Ben Kane has established himself as one of historical fiction’s most respected voices through meticulous research, visceral storytelling, and genuine passion for bringing the past to life. His journey from veterinarian to bestselling author demonstrates that it’s never too late to pursue your passion, while his commitment to experiential research sets a gold standard for the genre.
What distinguishes Kane from many historical fiction authors is his versatility. While he made his name with Roman military fiction, he has successfully tackled the Crusades, Viking Age Ireland, and Napoleonic campaigns with equal skill. His ability to humanize both sides of conflicts, whether Romans and Germans or Carthaginians and Romans, creates complex narratives that resist simple hero-villain dynamics.
For readers new to Kane’s work, The Forgotten Legion provides an accessible entry point, featuring compelling characters and an epic adventure. For those seeking his most mature work, the Eagles of Rome series showcases his evolution as a writer, combining meticulous historical accuracy with emotional depth and unforgettable characters. Whatever your interest in ancient and medieval history, Kane likely has a series that will transport you to that time and place with unmatched authenticity.
Ready to start your Ben Kane reading journey? Begin with The Forgotten Legion for an accessible introduction or Eagles at War for his most acclaimed work, and prepare to experience history’s bloodiest battles through the eyes of those who fought them.