So I am writing a book at the moment taking a break on my current book and want to do something new. My book is going to take place some time between 100 AD and 200 AD it will span 3 books and follow an assassin, legionary, and emperor through out these time periods. I need help trying to make the world as authentic as possible. So far I have have novice knowledge of Roman civilization at the moment I am cramming everything ancient Rome into my head and study notes. So what are some books you all would recommend on.
-Roman Culture -Roman Politics -Roman Sciences -Roman Military -Roman Civilian Life -Military Life -Military Technologies -Roman Travel -Roman Architecture and Art -Roman Philosophies -Roman Economics
While I am not looking to be historically accurate during this time period in terms of who actually ruled as emperor between 100 AD and 200 AD as this will follow an alternate history like timeline. But I do want to make the empire in these books feel alive. Please if anybody can help it will be greatly appreciated.
You are basically targeting the period known as "The Period of the Five Good Emperors" - Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. That period ends with the Year of Six Emperors.
The period was marked by a strong focus on domestic policy and was one of the most peaceful periods in Roman history. If you want your legionary and assassin to have something to do, you may want to consider a different time period. Not that there weren't military campaigns, just that they were more subdued than the usual Roman affairs.
Maybe consider jumping up to Diocletian and the tetrarchy. In that case, I'd recommed The Inheritance of Rome by Christopher Wickham.