“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Ancient history can often seem like a fantastical realm of fiction, where tales of events and sequences that occurred thousands of years ago have been reduced to mere myths and hearsay. However, with the ever-evolving field of archaeology, we are gaining a better understanding of how people lived and died during those times. Thanks to new insights and technological advancements, we can now explore these fascinating periods with greater clarity than ever before. If you’re interested in learning more, join us at What We Reading as we explore the best ancient history books of 2022!
Persians: The Age Of The Great Kings – Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
The Persians have always been a captivating civilization, and their grandeur as one of the earliest superpowers in history has been vividly captured in Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones’ latest masterpiece, Persians: The Age Of The Great Kings, published in 2022.
Through his expert use of Iranian inscriptions, cuneiform tablets, art, and archaeology, Llewellyn-Jones weaves together a narrative that brings to life Persia’s extraordinary ascent, as well as its sudden demise at the hands of Alexander the Great. What’s more, he delves into the little-known truth that this mighty empire was actually founded on principles of tolerance and collaboration. By presenting these insights, Llewellyn-Jones challenges readers to reconsider their preconceptions of the ancient world, making Persians: The Age Of The Great Kings a truly compelling read.
The Celts: A Sceptical History – Simon Jenkins
It is estimated that more than 120 million people around the world can trace their roots to the Celts. Yet, throughout their history, the Celts were never identified as a singular race or civilization. The term ‘Keltoi’ was first coined by the Ancient Greeks to describe foreign or barbaric peoples beyond their borders. Nevertheless, the concept of Celtic heritage has become a source of pride for millions in modern-day Britain.
In The Celts: A Sceptical History, Simon Jenkins takes a critical look at everything we have come to understand about these enigmatic people and their impact on contemporary society. Through a rigorous examination of the historical record, Jenkins offers readers a fresh perspective on who the Celts truly were and what their true legacy should be.
Tutankhamun’s Trumpet – Toby Wilkinson
Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in November 1922 forever changed the field of archaeology. While the story of the boy king’s life and Carter’s remarkable expedition have been told many times, renowned Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson offers readers a fresh and unparalleled perspective in his 2022 ancient history book, Tutankhamun’s Trumpet.
By focusing on the objects buried alongside the young ruler, Wilkinson transports readers back in time to the era of the Pharaohs. With his vivid descriptions and expert historical insights, Wilkinson’s work is a unique and invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand one of the most fabled civilizations of the ancient world.
Check out more great books on Ancient Egypt!
The Mad Emperor – Harry Sidebottom
Debating which Roman Emperor was the “worst” is a common topic when discussing the history of ancient Rome. These tyrannical autocrats, often meeting untimely ends, have captivated people for over two thousand years with their intrigue and spectacle.
In his 2022 novel, The Mad Emperor, Oxford Lecturer Harry Sidebottom presents a new name for this debate: Heliogabalus. The story explores what happens when a teenage boy is given ultimate power in the world’s most dominant empire. It’s a chilling tale of sex, power, violence, and culture, unlike anything Rome had ever experienced. This Financial Times and BBC History Book of the Year takes readers back in time to four tumultuous years that rocked the ancient world.
Check out the best Ancient Rome Historical Fiction books!
Women Remembered – Joan E. Taylor And Helen Bond
The life and times of Jesus are a point of intense debate in ancient history. In their 2022 novel, Women Remembered, authors Joan Taylor and Helen Bond take a lesser-known approach to this era, offering a feminist theology perspective.
Through historical records and geographical evidence, the book provides an eye-opening look at the lives of the women who played integral roles in the blossoming Christian religion in the Roman-occupied Middle East.
Despite the historical male perspective bias, translation confusion, and buried uncomfortable truths, Women Remembered sheds light on these previously overlooked stories. The book offers a valuable resource for uncovering hidden topics from history and understanding the experiences of women in the ancient world.
Weavers, Scribes, And Kings – Amanda H. Podany
Amanda Podany’s book Weavers, Scribes and Kings brings to life the stories of the kings, priestesses, merchants, and bricklayers who made up the ancient Near East. From the world’s first cities’ foundations to the conquest of Alexander the Great, Podany condenses nearly three thousand years of history into one compelling read.
With a focus on daily life, the book covers everything from the habits and routines of ordinary people to the kings and advisors vying for control during a siege. Podany’s expertise allows readers to experience the times as they were, offering valuable insights into the ancient world. “Weavers, Scribes and Kings” is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Near East.
The Roman Revolution – Nick Holmes
According to conventional historians, the fifth century marked the beginning of the collapse of the Roman Empire. However, in the book The Roman Revolution, historian Nick Holmes presents a fascinating and compelling case that the decline began much earlier.
By exploring the “crisis of the third century,” Holmes takes readers through how the empire found itself on the brink of devastation due to civil wars, barbarian invasions, and deadly plagues. Despite persevering, Holmes argues that the resulting state of the civilization, a Christianity-facing order led by Constantine, was vastly different from the Rome we know.
Check Out The Best Ancient History Books From 2023
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
