The Greatest Roman Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 26. The Mother In Law by Terence

    The play is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the convoluted love lives and familial disputes of its characters. The central plot focuses on a young man who impregnates his lover, the daughter of his neighbor. The situation is further complicated by the young man's domineering mother-in-law, who is unaware of the relationship and pregnancy. The narrative unfolds with a series of misunderstandings, schemes, and comic relief provided by a cunning slave, ultimately leading to resolutions that restore harmony and social order. The work explores themes of love, deception, and the dynamics of power within family structures, all while offering a satirical look at Roman society.

    The 7167th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Heroides by Ovid

    The book is a collection of fifteen epistolary poems presented as though written by various mythological heroines of Greek and Roman lore to their absent lovers. These letters express the women's emotions as they lament their separation, recount their memories, and plead for their lovers' return. The work explores themes of love, betrayal, and the female perspective within the context of classical myths, offering a unique insight into the emotional lives of characters such as Penelope, Dido, and Medea, who are traditionally depicted through the eyes of male heroes and writers.

    The 7167th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Pseudolus by Plautus

    "Pseudolus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the clever and scheming slave Pseudolus, who aims to help his young master Calidorus win the heart of his beloved Phoenicium, a courtesan who is about to be sold to a Macedonian soldier. The play unfolds as Pseudolus concocts a series of intricate and humorous plans to deceive the pimp Ballio, outwit the soldier, and secure Phoenicium's freedom, all while promising his master the impossible. The narrative is filled with witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and satirical commentary on social relations, showcasing the slave's cunning and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

    The 7167th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. On The Gods by Marcus Tullius Cicero

    The book is a philosophical treatise that explores ancient theological concepts and the nature of the gods, presenting a critical examination of various religious beliefs and practices of the time. The author, a Roman statesman and scholar, engages in a series of dialogues that delve into the existence and attributes of the divine, contrasting the Epicurean view of detached gods with the Stoic belief in a providential order. Through rigorous argumentation and eloquent rhetoric, the work seeks to understand the role of the gods in human life and the universe, while also reflecting on the implications of piety, fate, and the pursuit of happiness within the context of Roman religion and philosophy.

    The 7167th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Braggart Soldier by Plautus

    "The Braggart Soldier" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the farcical misadventures of a pompous and cowardly military man who boasts about his exploits in love and war. The play unfolds with a clever slave scheming to outwit his master and help his friend, a young lover, reunite with his kidnapped beloved, who is being held by the braggart soldier. Through a series of humorous deceptions, mistaken identities, and slapstick humor, the characters navigate a world of social hierarchies and romantic entanglements, leading to a resolution that ridicules the soldier's arrogance and celebrates the cunning of the underdog.

    The 7167th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Epistulae by Pliny the Younger

    "Epistulae" is a collection of personal correspondence written by a prominent lawyer and author from ancient Rome. These letters provide a detailed insight into the social, political, and domestic aspects of Roman life during the late first and early second centuries. The author writes about a wide range of topics, from descriptions of daily routines and domestic affairs to significant events of the time, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The letters are valued not only for their literary elegance but also for their detailed historical accounts and personal reflections, offering a unique glimpse into the author's character and the times in which he lived.

    The 8730th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Adelphoe by Terrance

    "Adelphoe" is a comedic play that explores themes of family dynamics, education, and the challenges of parenting. The story revolves around two brothers who are raised differently by their father and uncle, leading to contrasting personalities and values. The plot thickens with a series of misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and comedic mishaps, all highlighting the generational gap and differing philosophies on raising children. The play ultimately advocates for a balanced approach to parenting, blending strict discipline with understanding and love, and underscores the importance of communication and forgiveness in familial relationships.

    The 9874th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Brothers Menaechmus by Plautus

    "The Brothers Menaechmus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the hilarious misunderstandings and chaotic events that ensue from a case of mistaken identity. The plot follows the story of two long-lost twin brothers, Menaechmus of Epidamnus and Menaechmus of Syracuse, who were separated in childhood. Unbeknownst to each other, they end up in the same city, where their identical appearances lead to a series of comedic mishaps. Friends, family, and even a wife are all deceived as the twins inadvertently swap places, causing confusion and prompting a comical investigation into apparent infidelity, theft, and madness before the truth is finally revealed and the siblings are joyously reunited.

    The 10977th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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