I'm currently working on a novel set around 30-40 AD which is based off of a short story I wrote in high school. Since novels require a broader knowledge base, I can only do so much writing at this point in time. In particular, I am in need of information regarding both NT Jewish and Roman cultures, and I was wondering if anyone might have some recommended resources I could check out. Also, I'm open to any historical sources y'all might recommend as well.

Are you looking for fiction or non-fiction resources?

For some basic information on Rome, you could check out "The Ancient City: Life in Classical Athens & Rome" by Peter Connolly and Hazel Dodge. That is the only one I can think of right now.

Answer: Yes. I'm primarily looking for non-fiction, but I'm open to both

Thanks, Faith. I'll have to check it out.

All right! I'll check the stuff we have at home and list any titles I might find. I'm afraid we have more fiction books though.

Thanks, Marguerite/Idril! I eagerly await your post.

Did you happen to find anything?

Thank you for reminding me about this, Titus!

Here are some fiction titles you can check out:

Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers
This is set around 30-40 A.D. or a bit later. It's from the point of view of a Roman soldier and sometimes of a Jewish slave girl.

A.D. Chronicles by Bodie and Brock Theoene
This is set around the time of Jesus Christ. I'm not sure if there is a Roman point-of-view here (I haven't read the series yet), but a majority is told from a Jewish point-of-view.

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas
This is around 32-38 A.D., from the point of view of a Roman.

I'm still looking for non-fiction books. I'll post more when I find them.

G. A. Henty has a couple set around that time period, too.

Oooh, really? I've never heard of them. Would you have some titles?

"For the Temple" is set in 70 A.D. when the Jewish temple is desecrated. That is the only one I can think of right now. "Beric the Briton" is during the time when Nero was Emperor, but it is mostly set in the British Isles with some of it being in Rome.

Thank you both. I'll have to check those out.