The Emperor Series brings ancient Rome’s most legendary figure to vivid life through meticulously researched historical fiction that combines brutal warfare, political intrigue, and the making of a legend. Conn Iggulden’s epic saga follows Julius Caesar from his boyhood through his transformation into one of history’s most famous conquerors.
The Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden is a complete series of 5 books set in the final decades of the Roman Republic (circa 100-44 BC). The series follows Gaius Julius Caesar and his lifelong friend Marcus Brutus through the tumultuous events that transformed Rome from republic to empire.
Readers love this series for its visceral battle scenes, deep character development, political complexity, and Iggulden’s ability to make ancient Rome feel immediate and accessible. The author brings historical figures to life as fully realized characters while maintaining historical authenticity.
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Author: Conn Iggulden
Number of Books: 5 books (complete)
First Book: The Gates of Rome (2003)
Latest Book: The Gods of War (2006), followed by The Blood of Gods (2013)
Setting: Late Roman Republic (circa 100-44 BC), Rome and the Mediterranean
Genre: Historical Fiction / Military Historical Fiction
Emperor Series Books in Publication Order
Publication order is the recommended way to read the Emperor Series. The books follow Julius Caesar’s life chronologically from his youth through his assassination, building character relationships and political understanding throughout. Reading in publication order allows you to experience Caesar’s transformation from ambitious young nobleman to Rome’s most powerful figure.
1. The Gates of Rome (2003)
Setting: Rome, circa 100-80 BC (Caesar’s youth and early manhood)
Summary: The series begins with young Gaius Julius Caesar and his friend Marcus Brutus growing up in a Rome torn by civil war and political violence. Caesar’s family faces financial ruin and political enemies as he trains to be a soldier and learns the brutal realities of Roman politics. The novel covers Caesar’s formative years, his father’s death, his dangerous conflict with the dictator Sulla, and his first military campaigns. These early experiences forge Caesar’s ambition and his understanding that power is the only protection in Rome.
2. The Death of Kings (2004)
Setting: Mediterranean, Greece, and Rome, circa 75-69 BC
Summary: Caesar’s military career takes him to sea, where he is captured by pirates, an event that becomes a legendary part of his biography. After his ransom and dramatic revenge, Caesar serves in Greece, where he begins building the political alliances and military reputation that will define his career. Meanwhile, Marcus Brutus navigates Rome’s dangerous political landscape, and their friendship is tested by ambition and conflicting loyalties. The novel explores Caesar’s growing military genius and his calculated moves toward power.
3. The Field of Swords (2005)
Setting: Gaul (modern France) and Rome, circa 58-50 BC
Summary: Caesar launches his conquest of Gaul, leading his legions through brutal campaigns against Celtic tribes. The novel depicts the famous battles that made Caesar’s military reputation, including his bridge across the Rhine and his expeditions to Britain. Back in Rome, political enemies plot against him while his daughter Julia’s marriage to Pompey creates a fragile political alliance. Caesar’s military successes make him wealthy and powerful, but also earn him the fear of the Senate. The conquest of Gaul represents the pinnacle of Caesar’s military achievement.
4. The Gods of War (2006)
Setting: Gaul, Italy, and Rome, circa 50-44 BC
Summary: Political tensions explode as the Senate, led by Caesar’s rivals, demands he disband his army. Caesar’s fateful decision to cross the Rubicon River with his legions sparks civil war against Pompey and the Roman establishment. The novel covers the dramatic civil war, Caesar’s pursuit of Pompey to Egypt, his affair with Cleopatra, and his return to Rome as dictator. The series culminates with Caesar at the height of his power, but surrounded by enemies who see him as a tyrant. The stage is set for the famous assassination on the Ides of March.
5. The Blood of Gods (2013)
Setting: Rome and Mediterranean, 44-42 BC
Summary: Published seven years after the fourth book, this final volume covers Caesar’s assassination and its violent aftermath. Marcus Brutus and the other conspirators believe they are saving the Republic, but their act plunges Rome into chaos. The novel follows the power struggle between Mark Antony and Octavian (Caesar’s heir), the hunt for the assassins, and the battles that ultimately destroy the Republic that the conspirators died to save. Iggulden brings the series to a powerful conclusion, showing how Caesar’s death transformed Rome forever and made the Empire inevitable.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Should You Read in Chronological Order?
Good news! The Emperor Series books follow a chronological timeline, published in the order they were written. You can simply read them in publication order and follow the story chronologically through Caesar’s life from youth to death and beyond.
The only exception is the seven-year gap between Books 4 and 5. However, this doesn’t affect the reading experience since The Blood of Gods picks up immediately after Caesar’s assassination and completes the story arc.
Companion Novels & Short Stories
The Emperor Series comprises 5 main novels, with no companion short stories or novellas. However, readers interested in ancient Rome might also enjoy Conn Iggulden’s other historical fiction series set in different periods.
About the Emperor Series
Series Overview
The Emperor Series chronicles the rise and fall of Julius Caesar, one of the most influential figures in history. Set during the final decades of the Roman Republic, the series captures a period of unprecedented political violence, military conquest, and social transformation. Caesar’s life becomes the lens through which Iggulden explores the corruption and decline of Republican Rome, showing how personal ambition and systemic dysfunction combined to destroy centuries of tradition.
At the center stands Gaius Julius Caesar, portrayed not as the marble statue of history but as a complex, ambitious man driven by intellect, ruthlessness, and an unshakeable belief in his own destiny. His relationship with Marcus Brutus provides emotional weight throughout the series. Their friendship, beginning in childhood and ending in assassination, embodies the tragedy of the Republic’s collapse. Caesar’s wives, lovers, soldiers, and enemies are all drawn with historical detail and psychological depth.
The series excels at making ancient warfare visceral and immediate. Iggulden doesn’t shy away from the brutality of Roman military life or the moral compromises required for political survival. The conquest of Gaul, Caesar’s greatest military achievement, is depicted in stunning detail. Readers experience the engineering genius of Roman siegecraft, the terror of Celtic warfare, and the logistics of commanding tens of thousands of men across hostile territory.
Iggulden conducted extensive research to ensure historical accuracy while maintaining narrative drive. He draws from ancient sources including Caesar’s own Commentaries, Plutarch’s Lives, and Suetonius’s accounts. The author takes creative liberties with dialogue and some personal relationships, but the major events, battles, and political maneuvers follow the historical record. His achievement is making these well-documented events feel fresh and emotionally engaging.
What Makes the Emperor Series Special
- Intimate Portrait of Caesar: Rather than a distant historical figure, Caesar emerges as a fully realized character with strengths, flaws, ambitions, and relationships that feel authentic and human.
- Military Authenticity: Iggulden’s depictions of Roman military tactics, legion organization, and ancient warfare are meticulously researched and thrillingly executed, making readers understand why Rome conquered the Mediterranean.
- Political Complexity: The series doesn’t simplify Roman politics into heroes and villains, but rather shows the genuine ideological conflicts between Caesar’s vision and the Republican tradition he sought to destroy.
- Emotional Depth: The friendship between Caesar and Brutus provides emotional stakes that elevate the series beyond simple military fiction, creating genuine tragedy in their inevitable betrayal.
- Epic Scope: Spanning 60 years of Roman history across five continents, the series captures the transformation of Rome from republic to empire through intimate character moments and massive battles.
Where to Start with the Emperor Series
New to the Series?
Start here: The Gates of Rome
Begin with the first book to experience Caesar’s complete character arc from ambitious youth to legendary conqueror. The Gates of Rome introduces all major characters, establishes the political landscape of late Republican Rome, and provides essential background for understanding the motivations of Caesar. The novel serves as a perfect entry point because it assumes no prior knowledge of Roman history while being engaging enough to hook readers immediately.
Can You Start Elsewhere?
We strongly recommend starting with The Gates of Rome. The Emperor Series books build upon each other, featuring ongoing character development, intricate political relationships, and extensive military campaigns that span the entire series. Starting later will spoil earlier books and leave you confused about character motivations, historical context, and the deep friendship between Caesar and Brutus that drives the entire narrative.
Additionally, Iggulden’s portrayal of Caesar grows increasingly complex as the series progresses. Understanding his evolution from the ambitious young man in Book One to the conflicted dictator in Book Four requires experiencing the full journey. The emotional impact of the assassination in book five depends entirely on the reader’s investment in Caesar’s life story from the beginning.
About the Author: Conn Iggulden
Conn Iggulden is one of the world’s most successful historical fiction authors, known for bringing ancient and medieval history to vivid life through meticulously researched novels. He wrote the Emperor Series over a decade, publishing the first book in 2003 and completing the series in 2013 after a seven-year gap between books four and five.
Iggulden’s background in English literature, combined with his passion for military history, makes him particularly suited to writing about Julius Caesar. He approaches ancient sources critically while understanding the demands of narrative fiction. His research for the Emperor Series included studying Caesar’s own writings, visiting battlefield sites in France, and consulting with classical historians. This dedication shows in the authenticity of military tactics, political maneuvers, and daily life in ancient Rome.
The Emperor Series established Iggulden as a master of historical military fiction, launching his career as a bestselling author. The success of these books led to his Conqueror Series about Genghis Khan, his Wars of the Roses series about medieval England, and numerous other historical novels. Many readers consider the Emperor Series his finest work, thanks to its combination of historical accuracy, military action, and emotional depth.
More by Conn Iggulden:
- Conqueror Series (Genghis Khan saga, 5 books)
- Wars of the Roses Series (4 books)
- The Dangerous Book for Boys (nonfiction)
- Complete Conn Iggulden Bibliography
Historical Context: Late Roman Republic
The Emperor Series covers one of history’s most dramatic periods: the transformation of the Roman Republic into an autocracy. From approximately 100 BC to 42 BC, Rome experienced unprecedented political violence, civil wars, and constitutional crises that ultimately led to the destruction of its Republican government and paved the way for the establishment of the Empire. This was the age of Marius and Sulla, Pompey and Crassus, Cicero and Cato, all struggling to control or preserve a system that was collapsing under the weight of conquest and corruption.
The Republic’s traditional safeguards failed as successful generals commanded armies more loyal to them personally than to the state. Sulla marched on Rome itself, demonstrating that military power trumped constitutional authority. The Senate became increasingly paralyzed by factional conflict while demagogues like Clodius controlled the streets with armed mobs. Into this chaos came Caesar, a man of exceptional military genius and political skill who understood that the Republic was already dead, even if its corpse still governed.
Caesar’s conquest of Gaul was a military miracle that dramatically expanded Roman territory, but it also created a crisis. He commanded battle-hardened legions completely devoted to him while his enemies in the Senate plotted to destroy him politically and legally. The civil war that followed his crossing of the Rubicon pitted Roman against Roman in a conflict that killed hundreds of thousands and devastated Italy, Greece, North Africa, and Spain. Caesar’s victory made him dictator, but the Republican faction assassinated him in a desperate attempt to restore the old order.
Iggulden captures this period with remarkable historical fidelity. While he takes liberties with personal relationships and some dialogue, the major events follow the ancient sources closely. The battles, political maneuvers, and key moments in Caesar’s life are drawn from Plutarch, Suetonius, and Caesar’s own writings. Readers gain an authentic understanding of why the Republic fell and how one man’s ambition changed the course of Western civilization.
Learn more: Best Ancient Rome Historical Fiction Books
Similar Series You’ll Love
If you’re enjoying the Emperor Series, these series offer similar appeal:
1. Masters of Rome Series by Colleen McCullough
McCullough’s seven-volume epic covers the same period in even greater detail, beginning earlier with Marius and Sulla and following multiple generations through the reign of Augustus. Her novels are longer and more politically focused than Iggulden’s, with exhaustive research and complex character work. Readers who want a deeper immersion in the politics of Republican Rome will love these books.
2. Roma Sub Rosa Series by Steven Saylor
Set in the same period as the Emperor Series, Saylor’s mystery novels follow Gordianus the Finder, a private investigator in ancient Rome. These books offer a street-level view of Roman society during Caesar’s era, with the great political events serving as a backdrop to murder mysteries. Perfect for readers who love the period but want a different genre approach.
3. Veteran of Rome Series by William Kelso
Kelso’s series follows a common Roman soldier through the later Empire period. Like Iggulden, he emphasizes military authenticity and the soldier’s experience of ancient warfare. These books capture the same visceral combat and legion camaraderie that make the Emperor Series compelling.
4. Eagle Series by Simon Scarrow
Scarrow’s long-running series follows two Roman soldiers through various campaigns across the Empire. The military action, legion organization, and battlefield tactics will appeal to fans of the Emperor Series. While set later than Caesar’s time, the books capture similar themes of military brotherhood and the costs of empire.
5. Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris
Harris approaches the same period through the eyes of Cicero, a contemporary and political opponent of Caesar. These literary novels emphasize politics over military action, but provide brilliant insight into the final decades of Republican Rome. The trilogy offers a perfect complement to Iggulden’s military focus.
6. Forgotten Legion Chronicles by Ben Kane
Kane’s trilogy follows Roman legionaries through the era of Caesar and beyond, with an emphasis on military life and the brotherly bonds between soldiers. The combat scenes and historical detail match Iggulden’s authenticity while focusing on common soldiers rather than legendary generals.
Adaptations
The Emperor Series has not been adapted for television or film as of 2026. However, the dramatic scope and visual spectacle of the series make it ideal for adaptation. The success of shows like Rome (HBO) and Spartacus demonstrates the audience’s appetite for Roman historical drama, with the violence and political complexity that Iggulden’s books provide.
Several of Caesar’s most famous moments from the series have been depicted in other adaptations. The HBO series Rome covered some of the same events (the civil war, Cleopatra, and the assassination) from different character perspectives. The series would benefit from a prestige television adaptation that could do justice to the full five-book arc, similar to what Netflix achieved with Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are in the Emperor Series?
There are 5 books in the Emperor Series. The series is complete, with the final book, The Blood of Gods, published in 2013, seven years after the release of book four. Conn Iggulden has not announced plans for additional books in the series.
Do I need to read the Emperor Series in order?
Yes, publication order is essential. The Emperor Series follows Julius Caesar’s life chronologically from childhood through death and beyond. The books build on each other as they develop character relationships, political situations, and military campaigns. Starting later would spoil major plot points and leave you confused about character motivations and historical context. Begin with The Gates of Rome and read through to The Blood of Gods.
What is the Emperor Series about?
The Emperor Series follows the life of Julius Caesar from his youth in a Rome torn by civil war through his rise as Rome’s greatest military commander, his crossing of the Rubicon and civil war against the Senate, his dictatorship, and finally his assassination and its aftermath. The series explores Caesar’s friendship with Marcus Brutus, his military genius in conquering Gaul, his political battles in Rome, and the collapse of the Roman Republic.
Is the Emperor Series historically accurate?
The Emperor Series maintains a strong historical accuracy in its portrayal of major events, battles, and political developments. Conn Iggulden draws from ancient sources, including Caesar’s own writings, Plutarch, and Suetonius. He takes creative liberties with dialogue, some personal relationships, and minor details to enhance the narrative, but the timeline, military campaigns, and political events closely follow the historical record. Readers gain an authentic understanding of late Republican Rome while enjoying compelling character drama.
How long does it take to read the Emperor Series?
The complete series totals approximately 2,000 pages across five books. At an average reading speed, each book takes 8-12 hours to read, making the complete series roughly 40-60 hours of reading time. However, reading time varies significantly based on individual speed and how much you stop to absorb the historical details. Many readers space the books out to avoid Roman history fatigue, reading other books between installments.
Is the Emperor Series appropriate for young adults?
The Emperor Series contains graphic violence, sexual content, and mature themes. The battle scenes are brutally realistic, depicting the violence of ancient warfare without censorship. The books include sexual situations, though not gratuitously. Political themes involve assassination, corruption, and moral compromise. The series is best suited for mature readers (16+) who can handle intense content and appreciate complex political and moral questions. The vocabulary and historical detail also make these books more accessible to confident readers.
Will there be more books in the Emperor Series?
No, the series concluded with The Blood of Gods in 2013. Conn Iggulden has moved on to other historical periods, including the life of Genghis Khan (Conqueror Series) and the Wars of the Roses. The five books provide a complete narrative arc, spanning from Caesar’s childhood through the establishment of the Empire, and resolving all major plot threads. While fans would welcome more Roman fiction from Iggulden, he has given no indication of returning to this period.
Can I read the Emperor Series on Kindle/audiobook?
Yes, all Emperor Series books are available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. The audiobooks are narrated by multiple talented readers across the series. Many fans, in particular, praise the audio versions for bringing ancient Rome to life through skilled narration. The books are available through Amazon Kindle, Audible, and other major ebook and audiobook retailers.
How does the Emperor Series compare to HBO’s Rome?
The Emperor Series and HBO’s Rome cover some of the same historical period, but with different focuses. The TV series emphasizes political intrigue and street-level Roman life through the fictional experiences of common soldiers, while Iggulden’s books follow Caesar himself and focus more on his military campaigns. Both accurately depict the late Republic’s violence and moral complexity. Fans of Rome generally enjoy the Emperor Series for its complementary perspective on the same events.
What’s the reading level of the Emperor Series?
The Emperor Series is written for adult readers with moderate to advanced reading skills. The vocabulary includes Latin terms and military jargon that Iggulden explains in context. The complex political situations and large cast of characters require attention, though the narrative remains accessible. Teenagers with strong reading skills and an interest in history can enjoy these books, but the content and themes are definitely mature. Think of it as similar in difficulty to Bernard Cornwell or Patrick O’Brian.
Should I know Roman history before reading?
No prior knowledge of Roman history is necessary. Iggulden introduces historical context naturally through the narrative, explaining political situations, military tactics, and social customs as they become relevant to the story. The books work both for Roman history enthusiasts who will appreciate the accuracy and for newcomers discovering this period for the first time. That said, readers familiar with Caesar’s life will catch references and appreciate Iggulden’s creative interpretations of famous moments.
Why is there a seven-year gap between books four and five?
Conn Iggulden initially planned to end the series with The Gods of War, which concludes with Caesar at the height of his power on the eve of assassination. He later decided that the aftermath of Caesar’s death warranted its own book, publishing “The Blood of Gods” in 2013. The gap doesn’t affect the reading experience, as book five picks up immediately after the events of book four and provides satisfying closure to the series.
Are there maps in the Emperor Series books?
Most editions include maps showing the Roman world, Gaul, and key battle sites. These maps help readers follow Caesar’s campaigns and understand the geographic scope of his conquests. The maps vary by edition, with some versions more detailed than others. Given the series’ focus on military campaigns across the Mediterranean, the maps significantly enhance the reading experience by showing where battles took place and how far Caesar’s armies traveled.
What makes Julius Caesar such a compelling character in these books?
Iggulden portrays Caesar as brilliant, ruthless, charismatic, and complex rather than simply heroic. He’s driven by genuine political vision for Rome but also by personal ambition and pride. His relationships, especially with Brutus, reveal vulnerability beneath the military genius. The series shows his evolution from ambitious youth to hardened conqueror to isolated dictator, making his assassination feel tragic rather than inevitable. This nuanced portrayal makes Caesar human and relatable while maintaining his legendary status.
Conclusion: Your Emperor Series Reading Journey
The Emperor Series stands as one of the finest achievements in Roman historical fiction, combining military authenticity, political complexity, and emotional depth in a sweeping narrative that brings Julius Caesar’s world to vivid life. Conn Iggulden’s meticulous research and narrative skill create books that educate as they entertain, making the late Roman Republic accessible and exciting for modern readers.
What sets this series apart is its refusal to simplify. Caesar emerges as neither a pure hero nor a villain, but as a complex figure whose genius and ambition both saved and destroyed the Republic. The friendship between Caesar and Brutus provides emotional stakes that elevate the series beyond military fiction into genuine tragedy. The battle scenes rank among the best in the genre, while the political intrigue captures the Republic’s dysfunction with nuance and intelligence.
Ready to begin? Start with The Gates of Rome and experience one of history’s most dramatic periods through the eyes of its most legendary figure. With 5 books of military action, political intrigue, and character development spanning 60 years of Roman history, you’ll have plenty of reading ahead. By the series conclusion, you’ll understand not just what Caesar did but why the Republic fell and how one man’s vision transformed Western civilization forever.