Simon Scarrow

Simon Scarrow is a British author best known for his Eagles of the Empire series — a long-running sequence of historical novels set in the Roman world that has earned him a devoted global readership and established him as one of the leading writers of Roman military fiction. Born in Nigeria in 1962, Scarrow grew up in England and studied Economic History at the University of East Anglia. He worked as a lecturer in History and Communications before turning to writing full-time, drawing on his academic background to bring the ancient world to vivid life. The Eagles of the Empire series, beginning with Under the Eagle in 2000, follows the adventures of Macro and Cato — a grizzled veteran centurion and his unlikely young recruit — as they serve in the Roman legions across the Empire. From the invasion of Britain to campaigns in the Middle East and Germania, the series combines meticulously researched historical detail with gripping action and a strong buddy-dynamic between its two leads. The series now spans over twenty novels and has sold millions of copies worldwide. Scarrow has also written the Revolution Quartet, following the early careers of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington, as well as standalone novels including Arena, set in the gladiatorial world. His ability to immerse readers in the physical reality of ancient and historical warfare — the mud, the blood, the camaraderie, and the terror — is exceptional. His writing is praised for its accessibility. Scarrow makes the Roman world feel immediate and relatable without sacrificing historical accuracy. His characters are compelling, his battle scenes are visceral and exciting, and his plotting keeps readers turning pages at speed. The audiobook editions of the Eagles of the Empire series have attracted a large and enthusiastic listening audience. The narration brings the clash of legions and the camaraderie of Roman soldiers to atmospheric life, and many fans consider the audiobooks the ideal way to experience Scarrow's immersive historical world. Simon Scarrow lives in Norfolk and continues to write prolifically. His books and audiobooks are essential for anyone who loves historical fiction that transports you completely — whether to a Roman legion on the frontier or a gladiatorial arena in the heart of the Empire.