The Roman Army from Hadrian to Constantine

Osprey Men at Arms #93

by Michael Simkins, Ronald Embleton (Illustrator)

The year of 122 was the first time a Roman Emperor had set foot in the Province of Britannia since the invasion in AD 43. No doubt he had read many reports concerning the damage caused by marauding tribesmen crossing from what is now Scotland into the Province. Hadrian, therefore, decided - in the words of his biographer - 'to build a wall to separate the Romans from the Barbarians'. This engaging work from author Michael Simkins explores in depth the organisation, equipment, weapons and armour of the Roman Army from Hadrian to Constantine, one of the most exciting periods in Roman history.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Military History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, War, Roman History

48 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1979

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

More an archeological record of items of equipment- lacking as an overview.

[Philip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to other books from Osprey Publishing, this one is lacking quality and focus. Very much lacking. Instead of providing an overview of the period, it wastes space discussing the Hadrian's wall, while the said wall has a separate book dedicated . The explanations of arms and armour are appreciated and useful, however there should have been much more text on the fundamental changes the Roman Army experienced during the said period - the army during the reign of Hadrian became pretty much a different thing during the reign of Constantine. Very disappointing book.

P.S. Colour illustrations are, of course, of high quality as usual.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great if you want to read page after page on how Roman armor was constructed. Also, great if you really don't want to find out much about the time period the author set out to cover.

It does have Osprey's usual high-quality art and photos. Otherwise, not worth a read.

[Linda Malcor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched. I would have liked to seen more actual artifacts and fewer author reconstructions. The text, as so many are these days, was in need of a good proofreader. Otherwise it is a very good book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only in this for the illustrations, which I'm clipping out for collage. The writing, what I read of it, left something to be desired.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little booklet covering arms and armor, but not much on life in the Roman army.