Maisie Dobbs
historical mystery
Series · historical fiction
Eagles of the Empire
The Eagles of the Empire series by Simon Scarrow has 24 books and is best read in publication order, starting with Under the Eagle (2000). The next book, The Sword of Rome, is due 5 November 2026.
- Books
- 24 books
- First published
- 2000
- Status
- ongoing
- Last checked
Start here: Under the Eagle (2000) — then read straight through in publication order.
Reading order
The order the books were released — the default way to read the series.
- Book 1:
Under the Eagle
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Under the Eagle - Book 2:
The Eagle's Conquest
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Eagle's Conquest - Book 3:
When the Eagle Hunts
Alternative text for cover: Cover of When the Eagle Hunts - Book 4:
The Eagle and the Wolves
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Eagle and the Wolves - Book 5:
The Eagle's Prey
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Eagle's Prey - Book 6:
The Eagle's Prophecy
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Eagle's Prophecy - Book 7:
The Eagle in the Sand
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Eagle in the Sand - Book 8:
Centurion
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Centurion - Book 9:
The Gladiator
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Gladiator - Book 10:
The Legion
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Legion - Book 11:
Praetorian
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Praetorian - Book 12:
The Blood Crows
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Blood Crows - Book 13:
Brothers in Blood
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Brothers in Blood - Book 14:
Britannia
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Britannia - Book 15:
Invictus
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Invictus - Book 16:
Day of the Caesars
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Day of the Caesars - Book 17:
The Blood of Rome
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Blood of Rome - Book 18:
Traitors of Rome
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Traitors of Rome - Book 19:
The Emperor's Exile
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Emperor's Exile - Book 20:
The Honour of Rome
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Honour of Rome - Book 21:
Death to the Emperor
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Death to the Emperor - Book 22:
Rebellion
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Rebellion - Book 23:
Revenge of Rome
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Revenge of Rome - Book 24:
Tyrant of Rome
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Tyrant of Rome
About the Eagles of the Empire series
Simon Scarrow's Eagles of the Empire novels follow two Roman soldiers of the invasion army that conquers Britain under Emperor Claudius: Macro, a battle-hardened centurion risen from the ranks, and Cato, a clever, reluctant recruit who starts the series as Macro's optio and rises over the books to command legions of his own. Beginning with the invasion of Britain in AD 43, the series follows the pair across the length and breadth of the Roman Empire — Britain, Judea, Egypt, Syria, Spain, Rome itself — through open battle, palace intrigue, rebellion, and the changing whims of a string of emperors from Claudius to Nero.
The appeal is the buddy-soldier dynamic (older, brawnier Macro and younger, sharper Cato balance and needle each other book after book) wrapped around brisk, blood-and-mud battle writing and real 1st-century Roman history and politics. It sits in the same space as Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels — army-life adventure fiction built around a durable friendship between two very different soldiers — but transplanted to the legions of the early Roman Empire rather than Wellington's army.
Scarrow has published a new entry almost every year since 2000, and the series remains active: Tyrant of Rome (2025) is the latest installment, with Macro and Cato's story still ongoing and no announced conclusion.
Frequently asked questions
How many books are in the Eagles of the Empire series?
24 novels so far, from Under the Eagle (2000) to Tyrant of Rome (2025), with a new book published almost every year.
What order should I read Eagles of the Empire in?
Publication order, starting with Under the Eagle. Simon Scarrow writes the series as one continuous, chronological story following Macro and Cato's careers, so publication order is also the in-story order throughout.
Is the Eagles of the Empire series finished?
No. It's still ongoing — Tyrant of Rome (2025) is the most recent novel and Simon Scarrow continues to publish roughly one new entry per year, with no announced conclusion to Macro and Cato's story.
Is there a new Eagles of the Empire book coming?
Nothing beyond Tyrant of Rome (November 2025) had been announced as of this writing, but given Scarrow's near-annual release pace since 2000, a 25th novel is likely in the coming year even though no title or date has been confirmed.
Do I need to read Eagles of the Empire in one sitting, or can I start partway in?
Each novel is a largely self-contained campaign, so you can start partway through without being lost — but Macro and Cato's ranks, relationships, and personal circumstances evolve across the whole series, so starting from Under the Eagle gets you the full arc rather than jumping in on established status quo.
If you like the Eagles of the Empire series
Reading order last verified .