Ben Kane

Ben Kane (born 6 March 1970)^[1] is an Irish novelist who specialises in historical fiction. Born in Kenya, he grew up there and in Ireland. He attended school at St. Mary's College, Dundalk, County Louth,^[2] and later studied veterinary medicine at University College Dublin, graduating in 1992.^[3]

He is best known for his Forgotten Legion, Spartacus, and Hannibal book series. His 2011 novel, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, made the Sunday Times bestseller list.^[4] He has had multiple Sunday Times bestsellers since. Translated into 14 languages, his books have sold more than a million and a half copies worldwide.^[5]

In 2013, Kane and two friends walked the entire length of Hadrian's Wall for charity while wearing full Roman military kit, including hobnailed boots;^[6] they raised nearly £19,000 for Combat Stress and Medecins Sans Frontieres.^{[citation needed]} In 2014, they walked again in Italy, raising over £26,500. A documentary film was made about their walk, entitled The Road to Rome, with Ian McKellen providing voiceover.^[7] In 2016, Bristol University conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon Kane in recognition of his historical research.^[8] For some years, he has been supporting and raising money for Park in the Past, a Roman fort-building project near Chester.^[9]

In May 2023, Kane signed a four-book deal with Orion.^[10]

In May 2024, Kane published the novel Stormcrow, set in Ireland.^[11]

In October 2024, Kane and his fellow authors of A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii sold dramatic rights for the work to Amazon MGM Studios and Scott Free Productions.^[12]