Why Read Roman Literature? Essential Works from Empire to Augustine

About this episode

This episode explores essential works of Roman literature and their significance in understanding Western civilization.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we continue our series on the best books of each era by turning from ancient Greece to ancient Rome. From Virgil’s Aeneid and Cicero’s orations to Roman historians, poets, philosophers, and early Christian writers, we consider the works that reveal Rome’s ideals of order, duty, virtue, and piety—and the world-changing arrival of Christianity. Whether you’re new to Roman literature or looking to revisit the classics, this conversation offers guidance on what to read, why it matters, and how these books help us understand the foundations of Western civilization. Join us as we explore the essential works of ancient Rome, from empire to Augustine, and consider where to begin your reading. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Mary Poppins" Pamela Lyndon Travers (Paul) "The Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul) "84, Charing Cross Road" Helene Hanff (Jessica) "The Sea Hawk" Rafael Sabatini (Tanya) "The Little Colonel Stories" Annie Fellows Johnston (Tanya) "Educational Wastelands" Arthur E. Bestor (Martin) *Reading List for Ancient Rome* Virgil- Aeneid- Other poetry Cicero- Catilinarian Orations- The Republic- The Laws- On Duties /…

Topics covered

• Roman literature
• ancient Rome
• classical works
• Western civilization
• Christianity
• literary guidance

Keywords

• Roman literature
• Virgil
• Cicero
• Christianity
• classics
• Western civilization
• reading list

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Mary Poppins, The Confederacy of Dunces, 84, Charing Cross Road, The Sea Hawk, The Little Colonel Stories, Educational Wastelands, Aeneid, Catilinarian Orations, The Republic, The Laws

More episodes of Classical Et Cetera

• The Best Resources for Classical Education: Journals, Books & More · June 10, 2026 · 35 min
• Do Comprehension Questions Kill the Joy of Reading? | Classical Et Cetera Mailbag · June 3, 2026 · 52 min
• How to Approach Nudity in Classical Art with Students · May 27, 2026 · 44 min
• Are Homeschoolers Socialized Enough? · May 20, 2026 · 44 min
• Is Classical Education Too Hard? Too Rigid? Too Old-Fashioned? · May 13, 2026 · 42 min
• What Actually Makes an Education “Classical”? · May 6, 2026 · 45 min