Roman History for Beginners
Note: I don't receive remuneration from listing these media items. I simply like them and you might, too.

By Robert Graves. Probably the best Roman historical fiction ever written. I, Claudius tells the story of the future emperor Claudius and the early years of imperial Rome, beginning with the assassination of Julius Caesar and continuing through the assassination of Caligula. If you want to start somewhere with Roman history, I can't think of a better place than this masterful novel. I, Claudius continues to make the "best of" lists for every Roman history fan.

You read the book; now watch the series. An oldie but goodie, just like the novel. The BBC's incredible adaptation of I, Claudius is not to be missed, featuring some of the most talented British actors of the age. It's an older production, but don't let that stop you. Available on some streaming services. You can also generally get it through interlibrary loan. Rumors are that HBO and BBC2 are teaming up for a new production. Exciting!

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OK, so some of the 'history' in this series isn't totally factual, but still! The detail in recreating ancient Rome is astonishing. Absolutely captivating to watch the story of Rome, from the death of the Republic to the birth of an Empire. Everyone shines in this production. Ciarán Hinds is the best Julius Ceasar ever. Ray Stevenson and Kevin McKidd are the military dynamic duo, and Polly Walker plays the cheerfully amoral Atia. (Caution: series is not family friendly.)

By Alberto Angela. Great resource for ancient Rome beginners. This is one of the best and most readable books about what it was like to be a Roman during the Empire. Highly recommended for interest and readability.

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By Alberto Angela.  Another good one for Roman history beginners and a second winner by Alberto Angela. This time he uses a clever device, following a Roman coin as it circulates across the Empire.

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I have a confession to make. I'm absolutely in love with Sebastian's voice. He sounds like Werner Herzog, only better. I particularly like the way he answers questions about Roman history that no one else in media is addressing. This is one of the best Roman history channels out there, particularly for late antiquity.

World traveler and historian Garrett Ryan is a delight. His informed, droll, and witty narration makes this ancient history channel one of the finest. He's also the author of Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants and Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines, two of the most entertaining books on Roman history.

Wondering how Roman women got their hair into those lovely, complicated styles before the invention of the bobby pin? Janet Stephens, hairstyling archeologist, rediscovered the ancient Roman technique of hair threading, which must be seen to be believed. Try it for your next special occasion!

If you're an ancient music fan like me, you'll love the selections by Farya Faraji. Really gets me in the spirit when I'm writing. I could listen to his Roman marching songs all day!