Step into the gritty, sword-clashing world of the Empire series, where ancient Rome’s pulse-pounding drama unfolds through the eyes of a young soldier fighting for survival. Penned by Anthony Riches, this historical fiction saga blends meticulous research with relentless action, immersing readers in the brutal politics, epic battles, and camaraderie of the Roman Empire at its peak.
With nine novels and counting, Empire follows Marcus Tribulus Corvus, a fugitive Roman noble turned auxiliary soldier, as he navigates a treacherous world of imperial intrigue and barbarian wars. If you’re craving a vivid, action-packed escape to the second century AD, this series is your ticket to Rome’s wild frontier!
How Empire Began
Anthony Riches, a military history enthusiast with a degree in Military Studies from Manchester University, sparked the Empire series after a 1996 visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Inspired by the bleak, windswept outpost of Housesteads Fort, Riches began crafting Wounds of Honour, the series’ debut, which he polished over a decade. His passion for Roman history, fueled by his father’s and grandfather’s war stories, shines through in the series’ authentic detail, from legionary tactics to the weight of a gladius.
Riches’ hands-on research—walking Hadrian’s Wall in full Roman kit and exploring Rome’s ancient streets—grounds the series in a visceral reality. His goal? To bring the Roman Empire’s raw energy to life through a soldier’s eyes, blending historical accuracy with gripping storytelling.
The Heart of Empire
The series kicks off with Wounds of Honour (2009), where Marcus Valerius Aquila, fleeing Emperor Commodus’ wrath, assumes the alias Marcus Tribulus Corvus and joins the Tungrian cohort on Hadrian’s Wall. In Arrows of Fury (2010), Marcus trains Syrian archers to fend off barbarian assaults, uncovering betrayal within the ranks. The Emperor’s Knives (2014) takes him to Rome, hunting assassins who destroyed his family, while River of Gold (2020) sends him to Alexandria, battling a mysterious enemy in a desert outpost.
Empire’s themes delve deep into loyalty, vengeance, and survival. Riches masterfully weaves the camaraderie of soldiers—think bawdy banter and brotherhood forged in blood—with the stark realities of Roman life, from gladiatorial arenas to political backstabbing. The second-century setting, under Commodus’ volatile reign, pulses with civil war and frontier chaos, offering a rich canvas for Marcus’ journey. Riches’ prose is fast-paced yet evocative, painting Rome’s cities and battlefields with cinematic clarity.
What sets Empire apart is its focus on auxiliary soldiers—non-citizen troops from Rome’s fringes, fighting far from home. This lens highlights the empire’s diversity and the precarious lives of its unsung warriors, making Marcus’ story both personal and epic.
Why Empire Resonates
Empire has carved a niche among historical fiction fans for its blend of scholarly rigor and page-turning adventure. Readers praise Riches’ ability to keep the series fresh across multiple books, with characters like Marcus and his Tungrian comrades feeling like family. The series’ vivid battle scenes and intricate plots have earned five-star reviews, cementing its status as a must-read for Roman history buffs.
Beyond entertainment, Empire offers a window into Rome’s complex world, sparking curiosity about its history and culture. Its enduring appeal lies in its human core—soldiers facing impossible odds, bound by loyalty and driven by vengeance, resonate across centuries.
- First Book: Wounds of Honour (2009)
- Number of Books: 14 (as of 2024)
- Setting: Second-century Roman Empire
- Author: Anthony Riches
Ready to march with Marcus Corvus? Grab Wounds of Honour and dive into the Empire series’ thrilling world of swords, shields, and Roman glory!