The Cato and Macro / Eagles of the Empire Series in Order

About the Cato and Macro / Eagles of the Empire series

Series Premise

The series traces the military careers of Cato (a former imperial slave adopted into the legions) and Macro (a battle-hardened veteran centurion) as they serve in the Roman army during the reigns of Claudius and Nero. Starting as a raw recruit and experienced centurion respectively in Under the Eagle (AD 42), the duo participates in major campaigns across the Empire—most notably the conquest and pacification of Britannia (Books 1–4), followed by postings in the Middle East (Parthia, Judea), Egypt, Germany, and Rome itself. The core premise is straightforward military historical fiction: Cato and Macro face relentless combat against barbarian tribes, internal Roman politics, treacherous commanders, and personal betrayals, while rising through the ranks (Cato from optio to prefect, Macro from centurion to higher command). Missions involve brutal sieges, ambushes, espionage, gladiatorial intrigue, and large-scale battles, often tied to imperial politics (Claudius's invasion of Britain, Boudica's revolt, Nero's tyranny). Recurring motifs include the bond of brotherhood between the two men—Cato's intelligence and ambition contrasting Macro's blunt courage and experience—amid the Empire's expansionist grind, the cost of loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of conquest. Later books introduce broader threats (civil unrest, Nero's paranoia, rebellions), shifting from frontier campaigns to political survival in Rome.

Main Characters

The series is anchored by the contrasting duo of Quintus Licinius Cato and Lucius Cornelius Macro, whose friendship and partnership drive every book.

Cato starts as a young imperial freedman/slave thrust into the Second Legion: intelligent, educated, brave but inexperienced. He rises rapidly through courage and skill, becoming a centurion, then prefect—thoughtful, strategic, often conflicted by morality and ambition.

Macro is the grizzled veteran centurion: tough, blunt, loyal, with 15+ years of service. Gruff, profane, battle-scarred, he provides experience, raw courage, and humor—his no-nonsense attitude balances Cato's intellect.

Supporting/recurring figures include:
- Emperor Claudius and Nero (political backdrop).
- Vespasian (early commander, later emperor).
- Boudica (Iceni queen in rebellion books).
- Various legates, tribunes, centurions, and allies (e.g., Vitellius, Pallas).
- Enemies: druids, Parthian nobles, rebel gladiators, corrupt officials.

The ensemble evolves—comrades die, new officers join—but Cato and Macro remain the emotional core.

Setting

The series spans the Roman Empire in the mid-1st century AD (AD 42–68+), beginning in Britannia (modern Britain) during Claudius's invasion and conquest. Early books vividly depict the misty, forested, boggy island—hill forts, tribal strongholds, druidic groves, and brutal frontier campaigns against Celtic tribes like the Iceni and Durotriges.

Subsequent novels shift across provinces: the deserts of Judaea and Egypt (sieges, sandstorms, Nile voyages), the eastern frontier against Parthia (open battles, intrigue), the German forests, and eventually Rome itself (political machinations, Praetorian Guard, Nero's court). Settings are meticulously researched: legionary forts, marching camps, gladiatorial arenas, imperial palaces, and remote outposts. The Empire feels vast and dangerous—harsh weather, hostile terrain, and constant threats—while Rome's grandeur contrasts with frontier savagery.

Tone & Themes

The tone is gritty, action-packed, and unflinchingly realistic—classic military historical fiction with visceral combat, camaraderie, and the harshness of Roman legionary life. Scarrow excels at immersive battle sequences: hand-to-hand fighting, sieges, ambushes, and the chaos of ancient warfare are described with graphic detail (blood, exhaustion, fear) without gratuitous gore. The prose is straightforward and pacey, prioritizing momentum over lyricism. Humor emerges through Macro's gruff sarcasm, soldier banter, and the duo's contrasting personalities—Cato's bookish caution clashing with Macro's blunt pragmatism—providing light relief amid darkness. Emotional depth comes from themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the human cost of empire—loss of comrades, moral compromises, personal trauma—balanced by hope through friendship and duty. The series is exhilarating and addictive: thrilling yet grounded, with a sense of historical authenticity that respects the brutality of the era while celebrating the resilience of soldiers.

Simon Scarrow's Eagles of the Empire (Cato and Macro) series stands as a monumental achievement in Roman historical fiction: 25+ novels (with more forthcoming) that deliver visceral military adventure, authentic detail, and an unbreakable soldier's bond across the breadth of the Empire. From the muddy conquest of Britain to the treacherous politics of Nero's Rome, the books combine brutal action, strategic brilliance, and heartfelt camaraderie, exploring duty, loyalty, and the human cost of empire with unflinching realism and gripping pace. Cato's rise and Macro's steadfastness anchor a saga that feels both epic and personal—proving that even in history's greatest empire, friendship and courage endure. For fans of immersive ancient warfare and character-driven military fiction, this long-running series remains a benchmark of excellence, endlessly re-readable and richly rewarding.