Valerio Massimo Manfredi

Valerio Massimo Manfredi is an Italian archaeologist, historian, journalist and bestselling author of historical fiction. Born near Modena in 1943, he studied classical archaeology and specialised in the topography of the ancient world. His academic and archaeological career has included university teaching, field expeditions and research into Greek, Roman and Etruscan civilisation, experience that provides the historical foundation for his novels.

Manfredi is best known for the Alexander trilogy, which follows Alexander the Great from his youth to his conquests across Asia. His other novels include The Last Legion, Spartan, Tyrant, The Lost Army, The Ides of March, Empire of Dragons and the two-volume retelling of the life of Odysseus. His fiction combines archaeological detail with military action, political intrigue and epic adventure, often examining the ambitions and conflicts that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world.

Periods and events

Rise of Macedon Trojan War Epic Tradition Assassination of Julius Caesar Wars of Alexander the Great Fall of the Western Roman Empire Arthurian Britain Imperial China Carthage

Series

Series by Valerio Massimo Manfredi (2 series)

Alexander Trilogy in Order

by Valerio Massimo Manfredi 3 books 4.2

The Alexander Trilogy follows Alexander of Macedon from his childhood at Philip II's court to the creation of an empire stretching from Greece and Egypt to Central Asia and India. The first volume traces the family, education and political violence that form the young prince; the later books…

Child of a Dream

4.5

The Sands of Ammon

4.2

The Ends of the Earth

4.2

Odysseus in Order

by Valerio Massimo Manfredi 1 book 4.3

The Odysseus novels retell the life of the king of Ithaca in his own voice, beginning with his youth and ending with his return from Troy. The first book follows the experiences, alliances and oath that draw him into the Trojan War; the second recounts the long voyage…