Ancient History & Civilisation

The Complete Roman Army

The Complete Roman Army

The Roman army was one of the most successful fighting forces in history. Its organization and tactics were highly advanced and were unequaled until the modern era. Spectacular monuments to its perseverance and engineering skill are still visible today, most notably Hadrian’s Wall and the siegeworks around the fortress of Masada.

This book is the first to examine in detail not just the early imperial army but also the citizens’ militia of the Republic and the army of the later Empire. The unprecedented scope and longevity of Roman military success is placed in the context of ordinary soldiers’ daily lives, whether spent in the quiet routine of a peaceful garrison or in arduous campaign and violent combat. Key battles and tactics are described, and there are brief biographies of the great commanders.

Drawing on archaeology, ancient art, and original documentary sources, this book presents the most convincing history ever published of the Roman army.

Introduction: A Brief Survey of Roman History

Chronology of Rome's Wars

Part One - The Republican Army

Chapter 1. The Origins of the Roman Army

Chapter 2. The 'Polybian' Legion

Chapter 3. The Roman Navy

Chapter 4. The Militia Army: Triumphs and Decline

Part Two - The Professional Army

Chapter 5. The Post-Marian Roman Army

Chapter 6. The Army of the Principate

Chapter 7. Senatorial Officers under the Principate

Chapter 8. Equestrian Officers under the Principate

Chapter 9. Other Officers: The Centurionate and Below

Part Three - The Life a Roman Soldier

Chapter 10. Joining the Roman Army

Chapter 11. Daily Routine

Chapter 12. The Rewards of Service

Chapter 13. Off Duty

Chapter 14. Religion

Chapter 15. After Service

Chapter 16. Equipment

Chapter 17. Peacetime Duties

Chapter 18. Frontiers

Part Four - The Army at War

Chapter 19. On Campaign

Chapter 20. Battle

Chapter 21. Siege

Part Five - The Army of Late Antiquity

Chapter 22. Changes in the Late Roman Army

Chapter 23. Soldiers and Warfare in Late Antiquity

Glossary

Further Reading

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