Discover the World of Ancient Rome
The Twelve Tables
A sixteen-year-old boy in the early Roman Republic rises out of bondage to become a wealthy—and morally compromised—merchant. When honor and love prove greater than ambition, he risks his life and fortune in a fight to enact the Twelve Tables, the great code of Roman law. The Twelve Tables will appeal to historical fiction lovers seeking immersion in ancient Rome and character-driven readers craving an intense emotional journey.
Coming Fall 2026
“The past is never dead. It isn’t even past.”
—Faulkner
Welcome to The Early Roman Republic: In Paintings and Prose
Roman myths and legends aren’t just found in dusty tomes—they’re captured in color and conflict.
Do you want to explore the foundations of the Roman Republic without plowing through the dense volumes of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve combed through their ancient annals to bring you the most essential stories, delivered in a way that’s visually pleasing and historically rich.
What to Expect
Every two weeks, we’ll delve into the pivotal century between the Birth of the Republic (509 BC) and the First Gallic Sack of Rome (390 BC). Each piece offers:
- Brevity: The key myths, legends, and historical truths told in succinct, 500-word posts.
- Visual History: Every entry is paired with a classic painting that brings the drama of the ancient world to life.
- Curated Insight: Get straight to the historical figures and events (some factual, some invented) that shaped Western civilization.
Whether you’re a seasoned armchair historian or casual lover of Roman lore, this blog is your gateway to the heroes, villains, and stories that formed the Roman Republic.
Let’s start at the beginning, with a woman named Lucretia…
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The Dilemma of Brutus
Nearly as shocking as the Rape of Lucretia, which led to the birth of the Roman Republic, is the tale of Brutus and his treacherous sons, which came to embody the values of the Republic. In the year following the expulsion of Tarquinius the Proud, Rome’s last monarch,...
The Fate of Collatinus
The painting above depicts Lucretia Tarquinia holding the hand of her husband, Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus. Leering covetously at Lucretia in the background is Sextus Tarquinius, the son of Rome’s last king, Tarquin the Proud. The defilement of Lucretia by Sextus—The...
The Birth of the Roman Republic
Is the tale of Lucretia Tarquinia mythical or historical? Probably a heady brew of each, like most of early Roman history. The Rape of Lucretia may have been adapted from a Greek story about a homosexual affair that led to the demise of tyranny—and rise of...
Also From Richard
Meet Richard Barager
Richard Barager is a passionate storyteller who breathes life into the ancient world of Rome through his meticulously researched historical fiction. With a deep-seated love for history and a talent for weaving intricate narratives, Richard transports readers to a time of emperors, gladiators, and epic battles. His dedication to authenticity and detail invites readers to experience the grandeur and complexity of Roman civilization.