The Forgotten Legion

The Forgotten Legion follows the paths of three main characters in the final years of the Roman Republic: Tarquinius, an Etruscan warrior-prophet; Romulus and Fabiola, twins sold into slavery. Their stories begin in Rome but expand across the Empire as each character faces the harsh realities of their circumstances. The narrative moves between brutal gladiator schools, high-class brothels, and distant battlefields as the characters struggle to survive in a world defined by power and violence. Historical figures like Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus appear throughout, connecting the fictional characters' journeys to real military campaigns and political upheaval. War, destiny, and the bonds of family stand at the core of this historical epic. The book examines how common people navigated the turbulent collapse of the Republic, while exploring themes of fate, freedom, and the price of survival in the ancient world.

Readers appreciate Kane's historical detail and research about ancient Rome, with many noting the authentic depictions of gladiator life and military campaigns. The battle scenes and action sequences receive frequent mention in reviews for their intensity and realism. Readers praised: - Rich character development, especially of Tarquinius - Accurate portrayal of Roman society and culture - Multiple storyline structure that comes together - Learning about less-covered aspects of Roman history Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Too much brutality and violence for some readers - Some found the multiple narratives hard to follow - Occasional modern phrases that break immersion Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) "A gripping read once it gets going" appears frequently in reviews, with readers noting they continued to the sequel despite initial pacing issues.

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield This tale of the Spartan stand at Thermopylae depicts the same blend of brotherhood, military tactics, and ancient combat that drives The Forgotten Legion.

Eagle in the Snow by Wallace Breem A Roman general defends the Rhine frontier against Germanic tribes in this military chronicle that captures the decline of Rome through the eyes of its soldiers.

I, Claudius by Robert Graves This account of imperial Rome's politics and power struggles presents the same historical period as The Forgotten Legion through the perspective of the imperial family.

The Eagle by Simon Scarrow Two Roman soldiers navigate battle, treachery, and frontier warfare in Britain in this first entry of a series that shares Kane's focus on military life in the Roman legions.

Killer of Men by Christian Cameron A Greek warrior fights through the Persian Wars in this military narrative that matches The Forgotten Legion's attention to historical combat techniques and warrior culture.

🏺 The author, Ben Kane, is a veterinarian-turned-writer who walked Hadrian's Wall in full Roman military gear to raise money for charity and gain firsthand experience of Roman soldiers' lives. ⚔️ The book's depiction of gladiator training and combat is based on historical evidence from the ludus of Pompeii, one of the best-preserved gladiatorial schools from ancient Rome. 🏛️ The storyline involving Tarquinius draws from the real-life Etruscan civilization, which was gradually absorbed into Roman culture but maintained distinct religious and prophetic traditions. 🗺️ The military campaign featured in the novel mirrors Crassus's actual disastrous expedition against the Parthians in 53 BCE, which resulted in one of Rome's most catastrophic defeats. 💫 The novel's portrayal of haruspicy (divination through examining animal entrails) was a genuine practice in ancient Rome, particularly among the Etruscans, who were considered experts in this art.