In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we continue our series on the best books of each era by turning from ancient Greece to ancient Rome. From Virgil’s Aeneid and Cicero’s orations to Roman historians, poets, philosophers, and early Christian writers, we consider the works that reveal Rome’s ideals of order, duty, virtue, and piety—and the world-changing arrival of Christianity.
Whether you’re new to Roman literature or looking to revisit the classics, this conversation offers guidance on what to read, why it matters, and how these books help us understand the foundations of Western civilization. Join us as we explore the essential works of ancient Rome, from empire to Augustine, and consider where to begin your reading.
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
"Mary Poppins" Pamela Lyndon Travers (Paul)
"The Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul)
"84, Charing Cross Road" Helene Hanff (Jessica)
"The Sea Hawk" Rafael Sabatini (Tanya)
"The Little Colonel Stories" Annie Fellows Johnston (Tanya)
"Educational Wastelands" Arthur E. Bestor (Martin)
*Reading List for Ancient Rome*
Virgil
- Aeneid
- Other poetry
Cicero
- Catilinarian Orations
- The Republic
- The Laws
- On Duties / On Obligations
- Pro Archia Poeta_ / _For Archias the Poet
Lucretius
- De rerum natura_ / _On the Nature of Things
Marcus Aurelius
- Meditations
Julius Caesar
- Gallic Wars
Roman Historians
- Works by Livy
- Works by Tacitus
- Works by Suetonius
- Plutarch - _Parallel Lives
Roman Poetry
- Works by Ovid
- Works by Horace
- Other poetry by Virgil
Early Christian Writings of the Roman Era
- Didache
- Writings by Clement of Rome
- Writings by Ignatius of Antioch
- Writings by Polycarp
- Writings by Justin Martyr
- Writings by Irenaeus
- Writings by Tertullian
- Writings by Origen
- Writings by Eusebius
Augustine
- Confessions
- On Catechizing the Uninstructed
- City of God
