Hello, long time reader first time poster.
I have indulged myself in greek philosophy and abusing Greco-Roman movies, series and such but would like a good book or list of books to buff up on actual history. I don't pretend to be an academic, fyi im 20 and study International Relations so ancient history is a wonderful place for me to study. I am a non native English speaker so this is why i have trouble finding bibliography, any help is welcome!.
Am interested in the typical Greece-> Rise of rome, republic, empire, colapse sequence.
Although I can't speak for its historicity, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rubicon by Tom Holland, which discusses the collapse of the Roman Republic and rise of the Roman Empire. A very exciting book to read, and probably at least a good glance-over of the period.
Also, Carnage and Culture by Victor Davis Hansen is interesting. This book isn't centered on antiquity, but its first few chapters are about topics such as Alexander the Great, the Punic Wars, etc..
Both of these books present theories and relate history in a pretty accessible way, although like I said, I can't speak for their correctness.
This year I am reading through:
The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/139310.The_Oxford_History_of_Ancient_Egypt?from_search=true)
The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History by Fine (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2847665-the-ancient-greeks)
Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/103749.Persian_Fire)
Alexander of Macedonia, 356-323 B.C.: A Historical Biography (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232124.Alexander_of_Macedon_356_323_B_C_)
I don't have anything picked out for Rome yet. Next years problem, and I am not sure I wont circle back and do some more reading on Greece. Good Luck!