I'd like to learn more about the history of the Roman Republic, particularly its long and chaotic downfall. Right now, all I remember is that two guys named Marius and Sulla started fighting each other, then there was a long parade of similar rivalries (I've mostly forgotten the names) which ended in Octavian vs. Mark Anthony; Octavian won and crowned himself Emperor.
So, does anyone know a good book that covers this period in more detail? I'm particularly interested in the political aspects. Thanks in advance!
There are many good books! A good one for people with little previous knowledge about the time period I would recommend Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic. Short book. 464 pages. A nice introductory book about the time period.
There's also several biographies people who shaped the events of the late Republic. I recommend those by Adrian Goldsworthy. Caesar covers the life of Caesar and the civil war with Pompey and the senate and his death. Antony and Cleopatra Covers the life of Mark Antony and his love affair with Cleopatra. Also goes in to detail about the politics and events of the war with Octavian. Augustus Covers the life of Augustus and how he won the civil war and made himself emperor.
All of the books are really good and I do recommend you read them! Hope it helped.
If none of these interest you then there's nice booklist Here.