Ben Kane

Ben Kane (born 6 March 1970) 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, and later studied veterinary medicine at University College Dublin, graduating in 1992.

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. 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.

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; they raised nearly £19,000 for Combat Stress and Medecins Sans Frontieres. 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. In 2016, Bristol University conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon Kane in recognition of his historical research. For some years, he has been supporting and raising money for Park in the Past, a Roman fort-building project near Chester.

In May 2023, Kane signed a four-book deal with Orion.

In May 2024, Kane published the novel Stormcrow, set in Ireland.

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.