Lucan was a Roman poet famous for his epic poem Pharsalia, also known as Bellum Civile. His work focuses sharply on history and politics, portraying the dramatic civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great.
If you enjoy reading books by Lucan then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Lucan's epic poetry, you might appreciate Virgil, who wrote about Rome's origins and celebrated its heroic past. His masterpiece, The Aeneid, tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero journeying to establish Rome.
Virgil's style is grand and poetic, blending myth and history to explore themes of duty, fate, and human struggle.
Fans of Lucan's vivid and dramatic style might find Ovid fascinating. Ovid brings ancient myths to life with imagination and wit, as seen in his famous work, Metamorphoses.
This collection retells numerous myths, focusing on transformation, love, and loss through polished language and clever storytelling.
Statius wrote epic poetry in a style that readers of Lucan would appreciate. His notable work Thebaid narrates the violent conflict between the sons of Oedipus as they fight over their city, Thebes.
Statius crafts vivid images and intense battle scenes, capturing how ambition and revenge shape human destiny.
If you're drawn to Lucan's descriptions of epic warfare and politics, check out Silius Italicus. His epic poem, Punica, focuses on Rome's struggle against Hannibal in the Second Punic War.
Emphasizing Roman valor and endurance, Silius Italicus blends detailed battle scenes with themes of patriotism and heroism.
Valerius Flaccus is another epic poet that Lucan readers might like. His poem, Argonautica, retells the adventurous quest of Jason and the Argonauts for the Golden Fleece.
Valerius emphasizes courage, adventure, and exploration, weaving in themes of divine influence and human ambition in a style that is clear and dynamic.
Seneca the Younger was a Stoic thinker and dramatist who explored morality, virtue, and human nature in his writings. His style is direct and vivid, marked by sharp wit and deep psychological insight.
In Thyestes, he portrays the dark and violent consequences of vengeance, guilt, and ambition, creating powerful dramatic tension that resonates with Lucan's intense narrative style.
Persius was a satirical poet known for sharp and critical social commentary. He used clever satire to target hypocrisy and moral decadence in Roman society. His language is dense and precise, providing thoughtful reflections on morality and philosophy.
One notable work, the collection Satires, shares with Lucan a critical view of society and a commitment to moral clarity.
Sallust If Lucan's historical drama appealed to you, you might appreciate Sallust. He was a historian who wrote concise and vivid narratives, emphasizing intense political conflicts and moral decay.
In The Conspiracy of Catiline, he captures the tension, intrigue, and ambition of Rome’s politics, themes that strongly resonate with Lucan’s interest in civil war and political corruption.
Livy Livy was another historian whose detailed storytelling brings Roman history vividly to life. In his work, Ab Urbe Condita, he narrates Rome's rise and the complexities of power, ambition, and virtue shaping its history.
His focus on accountability, patriotism, and moral lessons align with Lucan's exploration of moral dilemmas within political upheaval.
If Lucan's historical drama appealed to you, you might appreciate Sallust. He was a historian who wrote concise and vivid narratives, emphasizing intense political conflicts and moral decay.
In The Conspiracy of Catiline, he captures the tension, intrigue, and ambition of Rome’s politics, themes that strongly resonate with Lucan’s interest in civil war and political corruption.
Livy was another historian whose detailed storytelling brings Roman history vividly to life. In his work, Ab Urbe Condita, he narrates Rome's rise and the complexities of power, ambition, and virtue shaping its history.
His focus on accountability, patriotism, and moral lessons align with Lucan's exploration of moral dilemmas within political upheaval.
Julius Caesar As a primary historical source, Julius Caesar's clear and direct style provides insight into actual Roman military campaigns and political events.
His narratives, like Commentaries on the Civil War, deliver straightforward accounts of battles, strategies, and leadership decisions.
If you're intrigued by Lucan's depiction of the civil conflict between Caesar and Pompey, Caesar himself offers valuable firsthand perspectives on these events. Christopher Marlowe Christopher Marlowe translated Lucan’s epic into vivid English poetry.
He was deeply influenced by Lucan, sharing his interest in the destructive pursuit of absolute power and human hubris. You might find his translation of Lucan’s Pharsalia engaging for its intensity and dramatic portrayal of Rome’s civil wars.
Caesar As a primary historical source, Julius Caesar's clear and direct style provides insight into actual Roman military campaigns and political events.
His narratives, like Commentaries on the Civil War, deliver straightforward accounts of battles, strategies, and leadership decisions.
If you're intrigued by Lucan's depiction of the civil conflict between Caesar and Pompey, Caesar himself offers valuable firsthand perspectives on these events.
Marlowe Christopher Marlowe translated Lucan’s epic into vivid English poetry. He was deeply influenced by Lucan, sharing his interest in the destructive pursuit of absolute power and human hubris.
You might find his translation of Lucan’s Pharsalia engaging for its intensity and dramatic portrayal of Rome’s civil wars.
Pierre Corneille's tragedies reflect themes of honor, duty, ambition, and dramatic moral choices. Like Lucan, he explores character conflicts arising from struggles for power and ethical dilemmas.
One great example is his play The Death of Pompey, which dramatizes Roman history, exploring themes familiar to Lucan’s readers.
Jean de La Taille was a French playwright whose dramatic works address political ambition, moral corruption, and human weaknesses.
His tragedy, The Famine, or the Gabians, examines similar political struggles and tragic moral conflicts, making it a good choice if you appreciate Lucan's exploration of the darker sides of political ambition and civil discord.