Drawing on archaeology, ancient art and original documentary sources this comprehensive volume presents the most convincing picture ever published of the world's most famous fighting machine.
The Roman army was one of the most successful fighting forces in history. Its organization and tactics were highly advanced and were never again to be equalled until the modern era. Spectacular monuments to its perseverance and engineering skill are still visible today. Including over 200 illustrations, this book fully describes these achievements and analyses several key battles, and their famous commanders. It is the first to examine in detail not just the early imperial army, but the citizen's militia of the Republic and the army of the later Empire. The unprecedented scope 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.
The Republican Army considers the earliest armies, offensive and defensive equipment, the creation of the Roman navy, and the militia army that conquered the Mediterranean.
The Professional Army describes the reforms under Marius and his successors and the creation of the new legionary structure that lasted till the end of the Empire.
The Life of a Roman Soldier looks in detail at all aspects, from recruitment and daily routine - barracks life, training, parades, diet, discipline, medical care - to equipment and frontier and off-duty life.
The Army at War reveals how the army operated on campaign and in battle, from grand tactics to hand-to-hand combat and siege warfare.
The Army of Late Antiquity examines the reorganization after the defeats of the 3rd century and the bitter struggles to maintain the Empire in the 4th century.