Book cover of Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the Bloody Fight for His Empire

Book description

When Alexander the Great died at the age of thirty-two, his empire stretched from the Adriatic Sea in the west all the way to modern-day India in the east. In an unusual compromise, his two heirs—a mentally damaged half brother, Philip III, and an infant son, Alexander IV, born after…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Ghost on the Throne as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

It is this book, about the successors of Alexander the Great, that inspired me to write my first novel, the Atlantis Papyrus. It is a great read—the pages feel less like an academic paper and more like an action novel and keeps one’s interest until the very end. I learned about so many fascinating figures in Alexander’s world I had never really known about and the tumultuous years following his death. In my work, I drew inspiration from some of the characters and events depicted in this book.

From Jay's list on Cleopatra and ancient Egypt.

Ghost on the Throne is one of the very few books to explore the underserved period in military history immediately after the death of Alexander the Great, his empire unraveling as his former generals vied for power. Romm narrates this complex and fascinating history with a novelist’s flair, featuring beautiful prose and a gripping narrative that brings out the scholarship with a dynamism that makes it feel like a fantasy TV epic a la A Game of Thrones. The story is packed with thrilling battles, scheming politics, and spicy romances – all them entirely true.

From Myke's list on narrative military history.

If you love Ghost on the Throne...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Ghost on the Throne?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Ghost on the Throne.

Browse books like Ghost on the Throne

Book cover of Cleopatra: A Life
Book cover of Never Greater Slaughter: Brunanburh and the Birth of England
Book cover of The Plague of War: Athens, Sparta, and the Struggle for Ancient Greece

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,277

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Ghost on the Throne, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!