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Osprey Warrior #71
Roman Legionary 58 BC-AD 69
The period 31 BC-AD 43 saw the greatest expansion of the Roman Empire. In 31 BC Octavian defeated Antony at the battle of Actium and remodelled the semi-professional Roman army into a permanent force of 28 legions. Octavian became the first emperor (Augustus) and under his leadership the legions conquered northern Spain, all Europe south of the Danube line and Germany west of the Elbe. The legionaries exemplified the heroic culture of the Roman world and this title takes a behind-the-scenes look at their lives, training, weaponry and tactics, including the bloody massacre of the Teutoberg forest.
64 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 13, 2024
ROMAN LEGIONARY 58 BC - AD 69 taught me some things even though I have recently read a couple of books about ancient Roman warriors. Of course there were plenty of excellent illustrations, including expanded views of weapon and equipment construction.
Did you know there were as many as 30,000 rings in sleeveless mail shirt?
A Roman began his battle with a war cry followed by the throwing of his pila (spears), then charging to crash into the enemy in the hope of getting a fatal stab wound in. If the fight was long and the troops tired, both sides might withdraw a short distance away to rest, quench their thirst, maybe eat something and then charge again.
The most casualties occurred when one side panicked and fled.
Pre-battle exhortations by commanders reminded troops of past victories, the right of their cause, and especially of the loot to be won.
Roman wounded were cared for by competent medics, but serious wounds could be fatal in a pre-antibiotic world. Those who survived but were no longer unfit for service received an honorable discharge from service, and all the benefits of a retiring veteran, including exemption from taxes. What a shame they don't do this for our homeless and crippled veterans today!
There is a quote that holds true today whether on the playground, court room, or battlefield."He who desires peace, let him prepare for war. He who wants victory, let him train soldiers diligently. He who wishes a successful outcome, let him fight with strategy, not at random. No one dares challenge or harm one who he realizes will win if he fights." (Vegetius, Epitome3, preface)
Did you know there were as many as 30,000 rings in sleeveless mail shirt?
A Roman began his battle with a war cry followed by the throwing of his pila (spears), then charging to crash into the enemy in the hope of getting a fatal stab wound in. If the fight was long and the troops tired, both sides might withdraw a short distance away to rest, quench their thirst, maybe eat something and then charge again.
The most casualties occurred when one side panicked and fled.
Pre-battle exhortations by commanders reminded troops of past victories, the right of their cause, and especially of the loot to be won.
Roman wounded were cared for by competent medics, but serious wounds could be fatal in a pre-antibiotic world. Those who survived but were no longer unfit for service received an honorable discharge from service, and all the benefits of a retiring veteran, including exemption from taxes. What a shame they don't do this for our homeless and crippled veterans today!
There is a quote that holds true today whether on the playground, court room, or battlefield."He who desires peace, let him prepare for war. He who wants victory, let him train soldiers diligently. He who wishes a successful outcome, let him fight with strategy, not at random. No one dares challenge or harm one who he realizes will win if he fights." (Vegetius, Epitome3, preface)
December 10, 2024
Read to better inform myself on the Roman military for a college course, ended up not being the right timeline for our scope of discussion but still useful
August 12, 2013
Good military reference book. You will need a little knowledge of Roman history to help understand the battles the author talks about.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews