Lindsey Davis' top 10 Roman books

Lindsey Davis is the author of 19 novels featuring Marcus Didius Falco (born AD41) as well as other works. The first Falco novel, The Silver Pigs, won the Authors' Club Best First Novel award in 1989; Davis has since won the Crimewriters' Association Dagger in the Library and Ellis Peters Historical Dagger, while Falco has won the Sherlock Award for Best Comic Detective.

The 19th Falco novel, Alexandria, has just been published in UK and will be out in the US this spring.

For the Guardian, Davis named her top 10 Roman books. One title on the list:

The Colosseum by Keith Hopkins and Mary Beard

Narrowing the focus, Rome's most famous monument was built by the Emperor Vespasian to win the hearts of the people, who had no football but loved a good spectacle. This engagingly written account tells of its long history as a venue for bloodthirsty sports and other uses (cattle pasture, glue factory ...) and how it has inspired artists, authors and even botanists. The Colosseum is a must for tourists; you will find here all you need about the complex archaeology – but first read the sound advice on making a visit.

Read about all ten books on Davis' list.

Read the Page 99 Test for the 18th Falco novel, Saturnalia.

--Marshal Zeringue