Simon Scarrow
Simon Scarrow (born 1962) is a British author specializing in historical fiction, best known for his long-running Eagles of the Empire series, which chronicles the adventures of Roman soldiers Macro and Cato across the Roman Empire.[1] Born in Nigeria to a banking family, Scarrow spent his childhood traveling the world, including time in Hong Kong and the Bahamas, before settling in Britain.[2] His works, which have sold over six million copies worldwide and been translated into over 25 languages, blend meticulous historical research with gripping narratives of military campaigns, political intrigue, and personal drama.[3][4] Scarrow developed a passion for history and writing during his school years, later earning a master's degree from the University of East Anglia after initial employment with the Inland Revenue.[1] He transitioned into education, serving as a history lecturer at East Norfolk Sixth Form College and City College Norwich, where he also led student programs on Roman history, including visits to archaeological sites and museums throughout Britain.[1][5] Now a full-time writer based in Norfolk, England, Scarrow is married with two sons and continues to draw on his teaching background for authentic depictions of ancient and modern historical events.[1][6] Scarrow's debut novel, Under the Eagle (1999), launched the Eagles of the Empire series, which spans 24 volumes as of 2025 and has become a cornerstone of popular historical fiction, often appearing on the Sunday Times bestseller list.[7][6] Other major works include the four-book Revolution series exploring the parallel lives of Napoleon and Wellington, the young adult Gladiator quartet co-authored with T.J. Andrews, and standalone novels such as Sword & Scimitar (2012), set during the Siege of Malta, and Hearts of Stone (2019), amid World War II in Greece.[8][9] In recent years, he has expanded into thriller territory with the Berlin Wartime series, beginning with Blackout (2021), while maintaining his focus on themes of loyalty, bravery, and the human cost of war.[10]Early life and education
Early years
Simon Scarrow was born on 3 October 1962 in Lagos, Nigeria, to a British family headed by his father, an expat banker whose career dictated frequent international relocations.[11][12] The family resided in Nigeria until they were evacuated during the late stages of the Biafran War, around 1969–1970, prompting a brief return to Britain.[9] Thereafter, Scarrow's father's banking positions led the family to live in multiple countries, including Hong Kong and the Bahamas, fostering a broad global outlook in his formative years.[13][11] These experiences amid constant movement nurtured Scarrow's childhood fascination with history, while his schooldays sparked an enduring interest in writing.[12][14] Following these travels, the family settled in Britain, where Scarrow began his formal education.[13]Higher education
Scarrow began his undergraduate studies in 1982 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies and film studies from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 1992.[12][15] Scarrow developed a profound interest in ancient history, with a particular focus on Roman civilization, during his time at university, which laid the foundation for his later scholarly and creative pursuits.[16] Following graduation, Scarrow took a position at the Inland Revenue, the UK's tax authority, to support himself financially while pursuing further education.[12] This period of employment allowed him to transition back to academia, where he subsequently completed an M.Phil. in film/cinema/video studies at UEA.[16][15] Scarrow's passion for historical research, particularly ancient Rome, developed alongside his academic background.[17] After obtaining his master's degree, Scarrow began exploring creative writing as a complement to his academic background. He drafted his first novel shortly after leaving university, an unpublished work that marked his initial foray into historical fiction.[17] This early attempt reflected the historical knowledge he had cultivated during his time at UEA, setting the stage for his eventual shift toward a writing career alongside teaching.[14]Career
Teaching
Following the completion of his master's degree at the University of East Anglia, Simon Scarrow entered the teaching profession as a history educator, leveraging his academic background in the subject to pursue a career in education. His initial role was as a teacher of history, English, and media studies at Costessey High School in Norwich from 1992 to 1994, where he began developing his pedagogical approach to engaging students with historical narratives.[18] This position marked his transition from administrative work at the Inland Revenue to formal education, allowing him to channel his passion for history into classroom instruction.[12] Scarrow advanced to East Norfolk Sixth Form College in 1994, serving as head of media studies until 2000, during which time he incorporated historical contexts into his curriculum to enhance student understanding of cultural and societal developments.[12] In 2000, he joined City College Norwich as a lecturer in media studies, a role he held until 2005, while also contributing to history education through specialized programs.[12] At City College, Scarrow ran a dedicated Roman history program, organizing educational trips for students to ancient ruins and museums across Britain, such as sites in England and Wales, to provide immersive experiences of classical antiquity.[5] These excursions emphasized hands-on learning, fostering a deeper appreciation for archaeological evidence and historical accuracy among participants.[19] Throughout his teaching career, Scarrow balanced his professional commitments with nascent writing endeavors, often drawing on classroom preparations to refine his historical research skills. This dual pursuit continued until 2005, when increasing success in authorship prompted him to leave teaching on a temporary basis that became permanent, enabling full-time dedication to novel-writing.[20] His experiences as an educator profoundly shaped his approach to historical fiction, ensuring meticulous attention to factual detail and contextual authenticity derived from years of teaching and student-led explorations of the past.[21]Literary career
Simon Scarrow's literary career commenced with the publication of his debut novel, Under the Eagle, in 2000 by Headline Publishing, marking the start of the Eagles of the Empire series centered on Roman military life. While continuing his role as a teacher, Scarrow secured multiple book deals that facilitated his transition to full-time authorship in 2005. His oeuvre primarily encompasses historical fiction set in the Roman Empire, emphasizing themes of military adventure, camaraderie and loyalty among soldiers, and a commitment to historical accuracy informed by extensive research. Scarrow's books have sold over 6 million copies worldwide and been translated into 25 languages (as of 2025), reflecting their broad international appeal.[3] In the 2010s, he began collaborations with co-author T. J. Andrews, which broadened his output to include young adult historical fiction and narratives exploring diverse periods beyond ancient Rome. More recently, Scarrow has ventured into World War II settings with the Inspector Horst Schenke series, debuting in 2021 and depicting a Berlin criminal investigator navigating the Nazi regime. His teaching background as a history educator has subtly shaped the meticulous historical details in his novels, drawing on his expertise to authenticate military tactics and societal contexts. Looking ahead, Scarrow's latest novel, Tyrant of Rome (2025), the 24th installment in the Eagles of the Empire series, continues to advance the saga of Roman centurions Cato and Macro amid imperial intrigue.[22]Writer in Residence role
In November 2006, following a successful visit to the school on 23 November, Simon Scarrow was appointed as Writer in Residence at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury.[23] This role built on his background as a history teacher, allowing him to return to educational engagement after transitioning to full-time authorship.[24] Scarrow's responsibilities include mentoring students in creative writing through targeted workshops and historical talks designed to spark interest in historical fiction. During sessions, he provides practical guidance on key aspects of writing, such as conducting research, securing literary agents, and developing compelling opening paragraphs, often using prompts involving characters, settings, and scenarios to encourage original storytelling. He works closely with selected students who demonstrate strong writing skills and career aspirations in the field.[23] The position prompted the creation of the annual Scarrow Prize in the school's fiction category, which Scarrow judges, evaluating submissions from students across Years 7 to 13. In the inaugural 2008 competition, he awarded the top prize of £50 to Year 7 student Oliver Braddy for a narrative featuring dual narrators, while also recognizing runners-up Costas Economou (Year 12) and Alistair McKeever (Year 10) with cash prizes; Scarrow publicly commended Braddy's work at a school assembly, noting its professional potential.[25] Scarrow has described the appointment as a personal honor, linking it to his teaching heritage and passion for history education. He maintains ongoing involvement through periodic school visits and programs that nurture emerging writers, including presentations on his latest projects and continued oversight of the Scarrow Prize.[23][25]Bibliography
Eagles of the Empire series
The Eagles of the Empire series is Simon Scarrow's longest-running and most popular body of work, comprising historical military fiction centered on the exploits of two Roman officers: the battle-hardened centurion Lucius Cornelius Macro and his subordinate, the intelligent and ambitious Quintus Licinius Cato, a former slave who rises through the ranks. Debuting with Under the Eagle in 2000, the narrative begins in AD 42 amid Emperor Claudius's invasion of Britain and chronicles their evolving relationship—from mentor and protégé to trusted comrades—across decades of service in the Roman legions. The series emphasizes character development, with Macro embodying traditional Roman valor and Cato representing evolving imperial politics and intellect, while integrating real historical events such as major battles, political intrigues, and figures like Emperor Nero.[26][20] Spanning 24 main novels published between 2000 and 2025, the series depicts Roman military campaigns in diverse theaters including Britain, Germania, Judea, Egypt, and the eastern frontiers against Parthia, highlighting key events like the Claudian invasion of Britain, Boudica's revolt in AD 60–61, and the turbulent reign of Nero in the 60s AD. Short stories and novellas provide additional glimpses into Macro and Cato's world during transitional periods. By 2020, the series had achieved sales of over 3 million copies worldwide, underscoring its enduring appeal among readers of historical fiction.[26] The novels in publication order are as follows:| No. | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under the Eagle | 2000 |
| 2 | The Eagle's Conquest | 2001 |
| 3 | When the Eagle Hunts | 2002 |
| 4 | The Eagle and the Wolves | 2003 |
| 5 | The Eagle's Prey | 2004 |
| 6 | The Eagle's Prophecy | 2005 |
| 7 | The Eagle in the Sand (aka The Zealot) | 2006 |
| 8 | Centurion | 2007 |
| 9 | The Gladiator | 2009 |
| 10 | The Legion | 2010 |
| 11 | Praetorian | 2011 |
| 12 | The Blood Crows | 2013 |
| 13 | Brothers in Blood | 2013 |
| 14 | Britannia | 2015 |
| 15 | Invictus | 2016 |
| 16 | Day of the Caesars | 2017 |
| 17 | The Blood of Rome | 2018 |
| 18 | Traitors of Rome | 2019 |
| 19 | The Emperor's Exile | 2020 |
| 20 | The Honour of Rome | 2021 |
| 21 | Death to the Emperor | 2022 |
| 22 | Rebellion | 2023 |
| 23 | Revenge of Rome | 2024 |
| 24 | Tyrant of Rome | 2025 |
Revolution series
The Revolution series, also known as the Wellington and Napoleon Quartet, comprises four historical fiction novels by Simon Scarrow that trace the parallel lives of Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) from their births in 1769 through the tumultuous events of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, culminating in their confrontation at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.[27] The narrative alternates between the two protagonists, highlighting their contrasting backgrounds—Wellesley's Anglo-Irish aristocracy and Bonaparte's Corsican nobility—and their rising trajectories amid political upheaval, military campaigns, and personal rivalries across Europe.[28] Scarrow's depiction emphasizes strategic decision-making, the chaos of revolutionary politics, and the human elements of ambition and fate that defined the era.[27] The first installment, Young Bloods (2006), follows the protagonists from infancy through their early adulthood, capturing Wellesley's education in Ireland and military training in Britain, while Bonaparte navigates the upheavals of the French Revolution, including his role in the siege of Toulon.[29] This volume sets the stage for their emerging leadership, blending biographical detail with fictionalized interactions to illustrate how revolutionary fervor shapes their worldviews. In The Generals (2007), the story advances to the late 1790s and early 1800s, focusing on Bonaparte's Italian campaigns and rise to First Consul, paralleled by Wellesley's service in India and his tactical innovations during the Mahratta Wars.[30] Scarrow explores themes of command under pressure, with key events like the Battle of Marengo underscoring the protagonists' growing reputations as formidable generals. The third book, Fire and Sword (2009), shifts to the Napoleonic era's expansion, detailing Bonaparte's invasion of Spain and Portugal alongside Wellesley's Peninsular War exploits, including the Battle of Vimeiro. The narrative intensifies the rivalry, portraying the logistical and ethical challenges of empire-building and guerrilla warfare in Iberia. The quartet concludes with The Fields of Death (2010), chronicling the final years of conflict, from Napoleon's Russian campaign and exile to his Hundred Days return and defeat at Waterloo, where Wellesley's defensive strategies secure victory.[31] This volume synthesizes the series' arcs, reflecting on the costs of prolonged warfare and the indelible mark of the two leaders on European history.Gladiator series
The Gladiator series is a young adult historical fiction series written by Simon Scarrow, comprising four novels published between 2011 and 2014 and targeted at teenage readers interested in ancient Roman adventures.[32] The books center on the protagonist Marcus Cornelius Primus, the young son of a retired Roman centurion named Titus Cornelius, whose peaceful life on a Greek island farm is shattered when his father is murdered by pirates, leading to Marcus and his mother being sold into slavery.[33] Enslaved in Rome during 61 BC, Marcus is separated from his mother and thrust into the brutal world of gladiatorial training under a harsh lanista, where he must learn to fight for survival while plotting his escape and reunion with her.[34] The narrative arc spans the late Roman Republic, from the intrigue of 61 BC onward, intertwining Marcus's personal struggles with broader historical upheavals such as political conspiracies, slave revolts, and the escalating tensions between powerful figures like Pompey, Crassus, and Julius Caesar that foreshadow civil war.[35] As Marcus rises through the ranks from novice fighter to seasoned gladiator and street brawler, he forms unlikely alliances, faces moral dilemmas in the arena, and grapples with the era's social hierarchies, including the dehumanizing institution of slavery. The series builds to Marcus's involvement in larger-scale rebellions, highlighting his growth from a frightened boy to a determined young man seeking vengeance and freedom. Key themes include survival amid brutality, the quest for personal and familial justice, rebellion against oppressive systems, and the complexities of Roman society—from the spectacle of gladiatorial combat to the undercurrents of political ambition and class divide—all presented through fast-paced action suitable for young audiences.[36] Scarrow's depiction draws on his established expertise in Roman history, honed through his adult Eagles of the Empire series, to infuse the young adult narrative with authentic details of military tactics, daily life, and cultural norms. The books in publication order are:- Gladiator: Fight for Freedom (2011)
- Gladiator: Street Fighter (2012)
- Gladiator: Son of Spartacus (2013)
- Gladiator: Vengeance (2014)