Imperial Roman Army

Imperial Roman Army: 30BC–284AD

In 30BC, Emperor Augustus swept to power in Rome, bringing government under the control of a single person. Augustus inherited a formidable and potent army, an economy that was threadbare and a population that was weary of decades of warring and civil unrest. A series of urgent reforms began in which the Army was realigned with a new vision for the state. A professional combative force was recruited and arranged into legions of highly trained and disciplined regiments of heavy infantry. This book charts the evolution of the military over the next three centuries, as the expansionist plans of different emperors helped define the battles that were fought and the territories that were fought over. Each new terrain and enemy ensured tactics and weaponry evolved. At the same time, rivalries between military leaders ensured that power fragmented as the empire grew too large and its soldiers too unruly to control.

Illustrated with more than 110 photographs of re-enactors accurately dressed and armed, this book describes the organisation, weapons and battle tactics of the Roman Army during an age of epic campaigns. It provides detailed information about the main troop types, from legionary heavy infantry to mounted auxiliaries and light troops.

Available: NOW

ISBN: 978 1 80282 593 0

Price: £17.99

Series: Historic Armies Series, vol 2

Format: Paperback, 128 pages

Author: Gabriele Esposito