Ancient Rome Series

Coming soon — Zoë Routh's forthcoming novels set in Ancient Rome. Power, intrigue, and leadership lessons from the ancient world.

Much of history is told by the victors, and mainly by men. When I look at the statues, the paintings, the mosaics, I wonder about the women in their lives and how they affected / supported / challenged the men of the moment.

And when it came to Ancient Rome, I also wondered about those who kept the whole machine of the Republic, and then the Empire, rolling to greater and greater heights (and then lows).

Enslaved people, though denied freedom over their very bodies, also had plenty of agency.

Hence, my historical thriller concept for the series, Hidden Hands of Rome was born.

Why Ancient Rome?
Rome wasn't built on marble alone—it was built on power, politics, family, ambition, and secrets.

A woman in ancient Roman-style clothing stands on a stone terrace overlooking a bustling ancient city square with columns, statues, and many people walking below.

I write historical fiction because the struggles of two thousand years ago still echo today. Through meticulously researched stories of women, spies, slaves, and senators, I hope readers don't just visit the past—they experience it, and discover something about themselves along the way.

About the series
Each title will focus on one grand female figure of the late Republic and early empire, starting with Servilia Caepionis, master political influencer, favourite lover of Julius Caesar and mother of Brutus, the man who led the conspiracy and assassination of Caesar himself. Conflicts of interest anyone?!

The story is told through the eyes of Servilia's slave, Karteria, an educated Greek girl, who sees everything, and has her own agenda to pursue.