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Marching With Caesar #1
Birth of the 10th Legion
*This edition of Marching With Caesar-Birth of the 10th Legion contains material previously released in the First Edition of the bestselling Marching With Caesar-Conquest of Gaul.*
Titus Pullus, the hero of the 10th Legion and the Marching With Caesar® series, tells his story from the very beginning of his life, starting with his relationship with his father, how his friendship with Vibius Domitius began, and how their burning ambition to join the Legions was helped by a veteran nicknamed Cyclops. Enlisting in the 10th Legion, raised in 61 B.C. by Gaius Julius Caesar, Birth of the 10th Legion recounts the first campaign ever conducted by Julius Caesar as a commander, when he quells an insurrection in Hispania, as seen through the eyes and from the perspective of the men like Titus and Vibius who actually did the fighting.
Titus Pullus, the hero of the 10th Legion and the Marching With Caesar® series, tells his story from the very beginning of his life, starting with his relationship with his father, how his friendship with Vibius Domitius began, and how their burning ambition to join the Legions was helped by a veteran nicknamed Cyclops. Enlisting in the 10th Legion, raised in 61 B.C. by Gaius Julius Caesar, Birth of the 10th Legion recounts the first campaign ever conducted by Julius Caesar as a commander, when he quells an insurrection in Hispania, as seen through the eyes and from the perspective of the men like Titus and Vibius who actually did the fighting.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
213 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
R.W. Peake
51 books107 followersThe first adult author with whom RW Peake developed a long-term relationship
was Louis L’Amour, whose body of work shaped his life philosophy.
After retiring from the Marines, RW proceeded to earn a BA in History from
the Honors College at the University of Houston.
Although RW wrote a novel as a kid, he didn't publish his first novel until
age 50.
In addition to is time in the Marines, and before the tech bubble burst in 2000, he was
a paper millionaire in the software industry.
A native Houstonian, RW recently relocated to the Olympic Peninsula of
Washington, where he lives with his yellow Lab, Sadie.
was Louis L’Amour, whose body of work shaped his life philosophy.
After retiring from the Marines, RW proceeded to earn a BA in History from
the Honors College at the University of Houston.
Although RW wrote a novel as a kid, he didn't publish his first novel until
age 50.
In addition to is time in the Marines, and before the tech bubble burst in 2000, he was
a paper millionaire in the software industry.
A native Houstonian, RW recently relocated to the Olympic Peninsula of
Washington, where he lives with his yellow Lab, Sadie.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 4, 2021
DNF at 10%. I tried, but the writing irritated me. The same things were repeated numerous times.
October 2, 2014
HAIL CAESAR!
I found myself lost in this story of a young man living in olden Rome and deciding to join the the Roman Legions and learning about himself and what he could be. Family life seemed markedly the same as today without the technology. Years move on but people do the same stupid stuff as they do today. I compare the Legionnaires to our Wounded Warriors of today. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I found myself lost in this story of a young man living in olden Rome and deciding to join the the Roman Legions and learning about himself and what he could be. Family life seemed markedly the same as today without the technology. Years move on but people do the same stupid stuff as they do today. I compare the Legionnaires to our Wounded Warriors of today. I look forward to the rest of the series.
March 17, 2018
The Roman killing machine
Peake weaves a good tale. There is no doubt that the legion was a very efficient killing agent. It was a time when genocide was a accepted fact. Peake doesn’t hold back. There aren’t many Dacians around to bemoan the fact.
Peake weaves a good tale. There is no doubt that the legion was a very efficient killing agent. It was a time when genocide was a accepted fact. Peake doesn’t hold back. There aren’t many Dacians around to bemoan the fact.
November 25, 2016
Guilty Pleasure
This is a major guilty pleasure. It serves the needs of those obsessed with this period of Ancient Rome, like me.
This is a major guilty pleasure. It serves the needs of those obsessed with this period of Ancient Rome, like me.
December 22, 2016
Great military historical fiction about the birth of the 10th Legion and the birth of general Gaius Julius Caesar.
November 14, 2018
A great historical fiction novel based around two men entering the 10th Roman Legion!
To be honest I was very surprised. When I first heard of the book I thought it would be a mid-grade pulp novel at best and that was what I was prepared for. Fortunately that wasn't the case and I was happy with the surprise.
The story keeps itself tight. Starting with an older Roman Commander who relates to his scribe his life on joining the 10th Legion. I was a little worried, I have seen this trope before, but it didn't feel cliche and it seemed to work. Starting with his childhood and working into the first battles of his career and returning home for the first time.
Overall the characters are well fleshed out and you can see growth in them. The action scenes aren't overwhelming and it just feels like the author followed historical events about the formation of the 10th close and he does it well enough that it doesn't annoy people who like history itself.
It was great to finally get a fictional book that I enjoyed, instead of dreading every page turn I gulped through the book like a man starving. I am definitely going to be picking up his further novels in the series and I can't recommend it enough.
To be honest I was very surprised. When I first heard of the book I thought it would be a mid-grade pulp novel at best and that was what I was prepared for. Fortunately that wasn't the case and I was happy with the surprise.
The story keeps itself tight. Starting with an older Roman Commander who relates to his scribe his life on joining the 10th Legion. I was a little worried, I have seen this trope before, but it didn't feel cliche and it seemed to work. Starting with his childhood and working into the first battles of his career and returning home for the first time.
Overall the characters are well fleshed out and you can see growth in them. The action scenes aren't overwhelming and it just feels like the author followed historical events about the formation of the 10th close and he does it well enough that it doesn't annoy people who like history itself.
It was great to finally get a fictional book that I enjoyed, instead of dreading every page turn I gulped through the book like a man starving. I am definitely going to be picking up his further novels in the series and I can't recommend it enough.
June 14, 2020
Might be interesting
I admit that I bailed at 11% in. I liked the opening and it gave me a sense of the end of republic early on. The main character being set up to witness the end of the republic was clever and probably done well enough.
I had to stop reading to look up the change from the manifold to the cohort. That was a pivotal moment in Roman history though it was something that I hadn't looked at for a long time. So I looked it up again and went down the rabbit hole of trying to match the ages of the main characters and the Roman military reform.
It does seem to fit barely but it's a tight one. By the time I finished my fast research, I lost interest in the book. That's my fault. If you just enjoy the book as a historical adventure, I imagine it will provide a decent visualizing of the beginning of the empire. The fall of the republic really covers close to a century, which gives you an explanation for the size of the series.
I admit that I bailed at 11% in. I liked the opening and it gave me a sense of the end of republic early on. The main character being set up to witness the end of the republic was clever and probably done well enough.
I had to stop reading to look up the change from the manifold to the cohort. That was a pivotal moment in Roman history though it was something that I hadn't looked at for a long time. So I looked it up again and went down the rabbit hole of trying to match the ages of the main characters and the Roman military reform.
It does seem to fit barely but it's a tight one. By the time I finished my fast research, I lost interest in the book. That's my fault. If you just enjoy the book as a historical adventure, I imagine it will provide a decent visualizing of the beginning of the empire. The fall of the republic really covers close to a century, which gives you an explanation for the size of the series.
October 22, 2020
A Great Reading Experience
If you are a fan of movies about ancient Rome or especially the miniseries Rome, you must get this book. The research and attention to detail are just astounding. This is a novel about the founding of the 10th Legion by Gaius Julius Caesar as seen through the eyes of two young Roman recruits. The author's experience as a military man gives this novel that special spark of life. Kudos to the author. I plan to read the rest of the series and have already purchased the second book.
If you are a fan of movies about ancient Rome or especially the miniseries Rome, you must get this book. The research and attention to detail are just astounding. This is a novel about the founding of the 10th Legion by Gaius Julius Caesar as seen through the eyes of two young Roman recruits. The author's experience as a military man gives this novel that special spark of life. Kudos to the author. I plan to read the rest of the series and have already purchased the second book.
December 28, 2025
For an old Latin student this was a good find. It looks like there are 8 in the whole series. I doubt I will read all but I might try the second one- Conquest of Gaul.
My complaints- there could have been a much better map with the places in the story highlighted; there should have been a better glossary section with the military ranks and what each meant, as well as a description of the components of the legion (cohorts, centuries etc) and a drawing/ description of the artillery pieces. Sketches of the enemy villages would have been nice too.
My complaints- there could have been a much better map with the places in the story highlighted; there should have been a better glossary section with the military ranks and what each meant, as well as a description of the components of the legion (cohorts, centuries etc) and a drawing/ description of the artillery pieces. Sketches of the enemy villages would have been nice too.
April 28, 2020
Enjoyable
I believe I've read another series with similar explanations of empire vs republican legions, but Peake gives you just enough to.understand, and then let you do the further research. Liked the story, the focus on recollections of a successful, now retired legionary who moved up through the ranks, and was cursed (or blessed) to be the recipient of that ancient curse; may you live in interesting times.
Looking forward to the next book.🙂
I believe I've read another series with similar explanations of empire vs republican legions, but Peake gives you just enough to.understand, and then let you do the further research. Liked the story, the focus on recollections of a successful, now retired legionary who moved up through the ranks, and was cursed (or blessed) to be the recipient of that ancient curse; may you live in interesting times.
Looking forward to the next book.🙂
February 21, 2024
First in the series, it follows Titus Pullus from his days living near a village with a drunken father who hates him, to his joining the Roman Legion and training to be a soldier, having got away with enlisting a year earlier because even at 16 he was big and muscular. He quickly learns to fight and kill and is admired by many, but not all. The story is full of minor and major details of the life of such a person, so you almost feel like you are there with him.
May 10, 2020
Well crafted
I don’t normally bother reading books written in the first person - they are just usually a bad excuse for escapism. However - this is a well crafted read with good historical basis, yet at the same time giving the reader a good riveting tale of life in the Roman legions and Pax Romana. Look forward to reading more of the same.
I don’t normally bother reading books written in the first person - they are just usually a bad excuse for escapism. However - this is a well crafted read with good historical basis, yet at the same time giving the reader a good riveting tale of life in the Roman legions and Pax Romana. Look forward to reading more of the same.
June 15, 2020
Thoroughly detailed and enjoyable
Although set many centuries ago the characters and attitudes of the soldiers are readily identifiable to anyone who has served. The detail of the camp layout, weapons used is very accurate and reflects the amount of research the author must have done. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read, I for one am glad there is another 16 books to read.
Although set many centuries ago the characters and attitudes of the soldiers are readily identifiable to anyone who has served. The detail of the camp layout, weapons used is very accurate and reflects the amount of research the author must have done. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read, I for one am glad there is another 16 books to read.
May 5, 2018
Awesome Book series
Best books about the Roman legions. Lots of research was put into these. Plus the author is a Marine and can convey the brotherhood of serving in pack of warriors.
Best books about the Roman legions. Lots of research was put into these. Plus the author is a Marine and can convey the brotherhood of serving in pack of warriors.
October 19, 2019
Good Accounting
If you like history and following the mundane as much as the action this is a really good accounting of the Legions. The story flows in a logical fashion, given in the first person. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
If you like history and following the mundane as much as the action this is a really good accounting of the Legions. The story flows in a logical fashion, given in the first person. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 10, 2020
Good source for actual Roman army info
I am from a Navy family. The history of the Roman military has always interested me. This book provided many details in that regard. The story is just beginning and I appreciate the background, i plan on reading the whole series.
I am from a Navy family. The history of the Roman military has always interested me. This book provided many details in that regard. The story is just beginning and I appreciate the background, i plan on reading the whole series.
February 15, 2021
A good start
This book is a good start for Peake's Marching With Caesar series. His description of sword and shield battle is well done without being overly sensational, which, given the bloody nature of such fighting, could easily have happened.
This book is a good start for Peake's Marching With Caesar series. His description of sword and shield battle is well done without being overly sensational, which, given the bloody nature of such fighting, could easily have happened.
April 25, 2021
Worth reading
It’s a bit wordy but a good historical novel that tracks real history. One could learn a lot from reading it. Not quite as good as Scarrow series, but still worth reading.
It’s a bit wordy but a good historical novel that tracks real history. One could learn a lot from reading it. Not quite as good as Scarrow series, but still worth reading.
June 23, 2023
Marching with Caesar - Book 1
A great start, building up a background of general life as a citizen, training regime to become a soldier and then the battles encountered both on and off the field of conflict, onwards to book 2!
A great start, building up a background of general life as a citizen, training regime to become a soldier and then the battles encountered both on and off the field of conflict, onwards to book 2!
April 30, 2018
Good
I greatly enjoyed this book of Roman legends the training the battles and the life of men in them thanks
I greatly enjoyed this book of Roman legends the training the battles and the life of men in them thanks
April 21, 2020
Very interesting
Was a little slow going in the beginning, but got much better. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Was a little slow going in the beginning, but got much better. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
April 24, 2020
Outstanding !
May 3, 2020
Well written
The story telling was excellent. Using the history of Rome properly. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The story telling was excellent. Using the history of Rome properly. I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 8, 2020
Great story
Good detail and character development. Lot of action. Sets the conditions of being a Legionary during the early period of Rome.
Good detail and character development. Lot of action. Sets the conditions of being a Legionary during the early period of Rome.
November 12, 2020
I read the whole series. If you liked HBO's Rome, it will click.
November 21, 2020
A highly enjoyable read
February 6, 2021
Thrilled to find this absorbing series.
September 11, 2021
Great book
I really enjoyed the book, kept me interested from start to finish. I love these Roman historical fiction stories. This one was better than most
I really enjoyed the book, kept me interested from start to finish. I love these Roman historical fiction stories. This one was better than most
January 22, 2023
Outstanding....
Just ordered book 2.
Just ordered book 2.
April 20, 2025
A great beginning to the story of the 10th legion and Titus Pullus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews