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Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier
The noted ancient historian presents a comprehensive and vividly detailed recreation of what it was like to be a Roman soldier.The Roman army was the greatest fighting machine in the ancient world. It was also the single largest organization in Western antiquity, taking in members from all classes, from senators to freed slaves. The Roman Empire depended on its army not just to win wars, defend its frontiers, and control the seas, but to act as the very engine of the state. In Gladius—the Latin word for sword—Guy De la Bédoyère reveals what it meant to be a soldier in the army that made the empire. Surveying numerous aspects of Roman military life between 264 BCE and 337 CE, De la Bédoyère draws not only on the words of famed Roman historians, but also those of the soldiers themselves, as recorded in their religious dedications, tombstones, and even private letters and graffiti. He vividly recreates their everyday lives, whether in a bleak frontier garrison in Britain or North Africa, guarding the emperor in Rome, fighting on foreign battlefields, mutinying over pay, marching in triumph, throwing their weight around on city streets, or enjoying honorable retirement.By illuminating the history of one organization that reflected all corners of the Roman world, Gladius gives us a portrait of an ancient society that is unprecedented in both its broad sweep and gritty intimacy.
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
301 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Guy de la Bédoyère
61 books106 followersGuy de la Bédoyère is author of a widely admired series of books on Roman history. He appeared regularly on the UK’s Channel 4 archaeology series Time Team and is well known in the United States for his volume The Romans for Dummies. His latest books are Gladius. Living, Fighting, and Dying in the Roman Army (2020), and Pharaohs of the Sun. How Egypt's Despots and Dreamers Drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun's Dynasty (2022). He lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 8, 2025
The author sets out his book's shortcomings quite openly in his preface. The text is neither a history of the Roman army nor a guide to Roman military organization and battle tactics. It is not really a book to be read cover to cover but rather to dip into subject by subject. The author points out that there are unavoidable repetitions of facts as he goes along in order to fully explain the details of each subject. Nevertheless he has produced a volume, varying between informative and entertaining, that is always well worth reading.
The text is constructed from Roman inscriptions, letters and documents, and the writings of ancient historians and commentators to produce a view of life in the Roman army whether as officer, centurion, legionary, doctor or engineer. The hardships, brutality, savage warfare, victories and defeats, are balanced by the friendships, rivalries, promotions, a form of family life – usually with the local women, and eventual citizenship in the Empire. It all comes across as a realistic portrayal of life in the ancient world's most formidable fighting force and a PhD in history is not required to enjoy it and learn from it.
The text is constructed from Roman inscriptions, letters and documents, and the writings of ancient historians and commentators to produce a view of life in the Roman army whether as officer, centurion, legionary, doctor or engineer. The hardships, brutality, savage warfare, victories and defeats, are balanced by the friendships, rivalries, promotions, a form of family life – usually with the local women, and eventual citizenship in the Empire. It all comes across as a realistic portrayal of life in the ancient world's most formidable fighting force and a PhD in history is not required to enjoy it and learn from it.
December 14, 2021
First my credentials: I have a Master Degree in History and have studied ancient Rome for decades, including primary sources.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about the Roman legions. The information in the book is extremely superficial, often misleading, and is little more than a series of very disjointed vignettes. The author makes little to no effort to describe the legions in a well researched, logical, and informative manner.
For those who want to learn about the reality of life in the legions, I recommend: "The Complete Roman Army" by Adrian Goldsworthy, "Rome and the Sword" by Simon James, and "Roman Military Equipment From The Punic Wars To The Fall Of Rome" by M. C. Bishop, to name but a few.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about the Roman legions. The information in the book is extremely superficial, often misleading, and is little more than a series of very disjointed vignettes. The author makes little to no effort to describe the legions in a well researched, logical, and informative manner.
For those who want to learn about the reality of life in the legions, I recommend: "The Complete Roman Army" by Adrian Goldsworthy, "Rome and the Sword" by Simon James, and "Roman Military Equipment From The Punic Wars To The Fall Of Rome" by M. C. Bishop, to name but a few.
January 23, 2021
This book is clearly meticulously researched and very interesting. Fascinating insights into the Roman army and makes you re-evaluate what it was...in fact, even its definition of being an ‘army’ when it was also bodyguard, police force, civil engineer, military engineer, explorer...the list goes on.
For me the issue with the book lies in the roots of its purpose. It is trying to tell the story using the words of the people who lived in it, but due to the nature of this evidence, it reads in a very fragmented way. It criss-crosses timelines, geographies and politics constantly which makes it a bit difficult to follow. This is not helped by the relics of evidence it is based on being such small fragments of story, again solely due to the nature of the evidence.
A great textbook and very interesting, but a read for the serious Rome fan - a ‘holiday read’ it is not
For me the issue with the book lies in the roots of its purpose. It is trying to tell the story using the words of the people who lived in it, but due to the nature of this evidence, it reads in a very fragmented way. It criss-crosses timelines, geographies and politics constantly which makes it a bit difficult to follow. This is not helped by the relics of evidence it is based on being such small fragments of story, again solely due to the nature of the evidence.
A great textbook and very interesting, but a read for the serious Rome fan - a ‘holiday read’ it is not
August 3, 2024
Gladius is an extensive, thematically organized look at the life of the Roman soldier, focusing on the long era Republican conquests around the Carthaginian Wars and the Christianization of the empire under Constantine.
Bédoyére draws from historical documents, archeological evidence, and primarily tomb inscriptions to depict a military world that was central to Roman society. After the Marian reforms, legionnaires were core parts of the administration of the empire, manning posts from lonely borders to dense trade hubs and doing everything that needed doing, not merely war.
The legions were both strongly standardized in terms of size, structure, and camp size, and also idiosyncratic in naming, command, and the attachment of auxiliary units of archers and cavalry. While centurions were veterans promoted from the ranks on the basis of experience, high officers were often inexperienced military tribunes drawn from the young men of the senatorial class.
This is a popular work (the author is a TV presenter, rather than a professor), which has the advantage of the writing being actually good. The thematic organization is well done. I particularly enjoyed the defeat-victory-atrocity triad of chapters, as well as looks at under appreciated elements, like the Roman navy, retirement, and side jobs.
Bédoyére draws from historical documents, archeological evidence, and primarily tomb inscriptions to depict a military world that was central to Roman society. After the Marian reforms, legionnaires were core parts of the administration of the empire, manning posts from lonely borders to dense trade hubs and doing everything that needed doing, not merely war.
The legions were both strongly standardized in terms of size, structure, and camp size, and also idiosyncratic in naming, command, and the attachment of auxiliary units of archers and cavalry. While centurions were veterans promoted from the ranks on the basis of experience, high officers were often inexperienced military tribunes drawn from the young men of the senatorial class.
This is a popular work (the author is a TV presenter, rather than a professor), which has the advantage of the writing being actually good. The thematic organization is well done. I particularly enjoyed the defeat-victory-atrocity triad of chapters, as well as looks at under appreciated elements, like the Roman navy, retirement, and side jobs.
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May 13, 2025Great concept, large scope, mediocre delivery.
A gladius is the classic Roman short sword used by the infantry. In his history, Guy de La Bédoyère involves us in the rise and fall of the Roman Empire as imagined from the vantage point of the common Roman legionary.
The author uses a sort of anti-Great Man narrative, i.e. assuming that most history is interpreted as seen through the eyes of the noble & privileged, La Bedoyere tries to provide a more nuanced view, seen from lower down, giving history a more holistic and well rounded delivery.
However, although the author may feel his thesis is the right one, and although the book is well written, he doesn’t pull it off with the competence it deserves.
There’s a lot of info to assimilate in this book and perhaps I have been unfair to the author and so may need to re-read at some point and revise my review.
3* for now
A gladius is the classic Roman short sword used by the infantry. In his history, Guy de La Bédoyère involves us in the rise and fall of the Roman Empire as imagined from the vantage point of the common Roman legionary.
The author uses a sort of anti-Great Man narrative, i.e. assuming that most history is interpreted as seen through the eyes of the noble & privileged, La Bedoyere tries to provide a more nuanced view, seen from lower down, giving history a more holistic and well rounded delivery.
However, although the author may feel his thesis is the right one, and although the book is well written, he doesn’t pull it off with the competence it deserves.
There’s a lot of info to assimilate in this book and perhaps I have been unfair to the author and so may need to re-read at some point and revise my review.
3* for now
July 27, 2021
A huge topic covered very well by this book. It is easy to read and very informative. It would make a first rate primer for learning about the Roman Army. I have filed it under the reference section in my library, being quite sure I will be diving in and out of it over time.
January 31, 2021
Detailed and fascinating but not a light read. Be prepared to work slowly through the concise detail, but the information offered is worth the mental effort.
January 17, 2022
It was a slog, frankly. Lots and lots of detail, dates, names, wars but no real feeling of connection with the lives it records to the last detail that the historical record reveals (which isn’t always that much to be fair).
If I had an exam to sit that needed dates, examples, references and dry facts, facts, facts, this book would be a fabulous resource, although there is no narrative flow to speak of because of the eccentric way the book is sliced into topics.
I don’t have an exam though, and frankly I wish I found it easier to abandon a book when it bores me.
I think I shall re-read Robert Graves’ “I, Claudius” and “Claudius the God”, both 5 star reads to rekindle my enthusiasm for all things Ancient Roman.
If I had an exam to sit that needed dates, examples, references and dry facts, facts, facts, this book would be a fabulous resource, although there is no narrative flow to speak of because of the eccentric way the book is sliced into topics.
I don’t have an exam though, and frankly I wish I found it easier to abandon a book when it bores me.
I think I shall re-read Robert Graves’ “I, Claudius” and “Claudius the God”, both 5 star reads to rekindle my enthusiasm for all things Ancient Roman.
April 11, 2021
There is nothing quite like this book out there. Rather than attempting to be a history of the legions, the author attempts to illuminate the life a soldier through primary sources. It is fascinating, but it is more useful for the author's stated purpose for the book: a reference book for various aspects of the Roman soldier's life.
October 28, 2021
The author didn't seem able to decide if he was writing for academia or general public. Interesting information about the life of Roman soldiers over the centuries but buried amidst all of the explanations of where/how/why the information came from. If you're writing for the general public, throw your citation qualifiers into the endnotes not into the text. The academics can read them there.
abandoned
January 2, 2021Recommended in FT weekend
December 20, 2024
This is certainly not the first book you should read to understand the Roman army. For foundational insights into equipment, organization, tactics, training, and battle experience, there are stronger options, such as works by Adrian Goldsworthy, Peter Connolly, or M.C. Bishop. However, Gladius by Guy de la Bédoyère is an extremely valuable resource for understanding the lives of Roman soldiers beyond the battlefield.
De la Bédoyère sheds light on how soldiers lived, who they married, how inheritances and family structures functioned across different periods, and even how they acquired their equipment. He explores the processes behind obtaining leave, how long such licenses lasted, and why soldiers were essential to every facet of Roman society. The famous dictum by Septimius Severus — “Pay the army first and foremost” — takes on new meaning in this context, not only for personal safety (which is obviously the main reason) but also for practical expediency: This book allows us to see Roman soldiers not just as trained combatants but as versatile civil servants: police officers, builders, tax collectors, bodyguards, engineers, aides, and representatives.
In this detailed exploration, De la Bédoyère draws on over three decades of scholarship, utilizing a wide array of historical sources to offer a nuanced account of Roman military life. He examines the personal and professional aspects of a soldier's experience, covering recruitment, training, combat, and interactions with civilians. The narrative also addresses the pivotal role soldiers played in expanding and maintaining the Roman Empire, offering insights into their contributions to military successes and the challenges they faced.
De la Bédoyère's engaging writing style and meticulous research make Gladius accessible to both scholars and general readers. The thematic structure helps readers grasp the complexities of military life and the societal systems that supported it. The book is enriched with maps, fortress plans, photographs, extensive notes, a glossary of terms, and helpful appendices.
Table of Contents Overview:
1. Introduction — The Army of the Emperors
2. Strength and Honour — Signing On in Caesar’s Army
3. Gloria Exercitus — Making Soldiers
4. Gold and Silver — Pay, Handouts, and Bequests
5. A Soldier’s Life — Garrisoning the Empire
6. Living Off the Land — The Roman Army and the Environment
7. Ignominy and Defeat — The Roman Army’s Darkest Days
8. I Came, I Saw, I Conquered — The Roman War Machine Victorious
9. Living by the Sword — Violence and Atrocities
10. Quinqueremes and Triremes — The Roman Army at Sea
11. Mutineers and Rebels — King-Makers for Sale
12. Peacetime Duties — Jacks-of-All-Trades
13. Leisure and Leave — Hunting Wild Boar and Other Diversions
14. Wives and Lovers — Family Life on the Frontier
15. Veterans — The Emperor’s Die-Hards
16. Jupiter’s Men — Religion and Superstition
17. Epilogue
Appendices:
• Rome’s Principal Wars
• Emperors from Augustus to Valentinian I and Valens
• Tacitus and Dio on the Size of the Army
• Roman Names
• Glossary of Terms
Additional Sections:
• Maps and Plans
• Foreword
• Notes
• Abbreviations and Bibliography
• List of Illustrations
• Acknowledgements
• Index
Gladius is an excellent resource for learning how Roman soldiers lived across different periods of the Republic and Empire. While the vast chronological and geographical scope inevitably leads to some limitations — procedures in Britain may not mirror those in Syria — this book remains a significant contribution from a respected historian. De la Bédoyère successfully humanizes the Roman soldier, offering a holistic understanding of their indispensable role in Roman society.
De la Bédoyère sheds light on how soldiers lived, who they married, how inheritances and family structures functioned across different periods, and even how they acquired their equipment. He explores the processes behind obtaining leave, how long such licenses lasted, and why soldiers were essential to every facet of Roman society. The famous dictum by Septimius Severus — “Pay the army first and foremost” — takes on new meaning in this context, not only for personal safety (which is obviously the main reason) but also for practical expediency: This book allows us to see Roman soldiers not just as trained combatants but as versatile civil servants: police officers, builders, tax collectors, bodyguards, engineers, aides, and representatives.
In this detailed exploration, De la Bédoyère draws on over three decades of scholarship, utilizing a wide array of historical sources to offer a nuanced account of Roman military life. He examines the personal and professional aspects of a soldier's experience, covering recruitment, training, combat, and interactions with civilians. The narrative also addresses the pivotal role soldiers played in expanding and maintaining the Roman Empire, offering insights into their contributions to military successes and the challenges they faced.
De la Bédoyère's engaging writing style and meticulous research make Gladius accessible to both scholars and general readers. The thematic structure helps readers grasp the complexities of military life and the societal systems that supported it. The book is enriched with maps, fortress plans, photographs, extensive notes, a glossary of terms, and helpful appendices.
Table of Contents Overview:
1. Introduction — The Army of the Emperors
2. Strength and Honour — Signing On in Caesar’s Army
3. Gloria Exercitus — Making Soldiers
4. Gold and Silver — Pay, Handouts, and Bequests
5. A Soldier’s Life — Garrisoning the Empire
6. Living Off the Land — The Roman Army and the Environment
7. Ignominy and Defeat — The Roman Army’s Darkest Days
8. I Came, I Saw, I Conquered — The Roman War Machine Victorious
9. Living by the Sword — Violence and Atrocities
10. Quinqueremes and Triremes — The Roman Army at Sea
11. Mutineers and Rebels — King-Makers for Sale
12. Peacetime Duties — Jacks-of-All-Trades
13. Leisure and Leave — Hunting Wild Boar and Other Diversions
14. Wives and Lovers — Family Life on the Frontier
15. Veterans — The Emperor’s Die-Hards
16. Jupiter’s Men — Religion and Superstition
17. Epilogue
Appendices:
• Rome’s Principal Wars
• Emperors from Augustus to Valentinian I and Valens
• Tacitus and Dio on the Size of the Army
• Roman Names
• Glossary of Terms
Additional Sections:
• Maps and Plans
• Foreword
• Notes
• Abbreviations and Bibliography
• List of Illustrations
• Acknowledgements
• Index
Gladius is an excellent resource for learning how Roman soldiers lived across different periods of the Republic and Empire. While the vast chronological and geographical scope inevitably leads to some limitations — procedures in Britain may not mirror those in Syria — this book remains a significant contribution from a respected historian. De la Bédoyère successfully humanizes the Roman soldier, offering a holistic understanding of their indispensable role in Roman society.
July 7, 2024
Guy de la Bédoyère’s “Gladius: Living, Fighting and Dying in the Roman Army” is a captivating and immersive look into the world of the Roman soldier. Bédoyère expertly weaves together historical accounts, archaeological evidence, and personal anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of what life was like for those who served in the legions of ancient Rome. From the rigorous training and discipline required to become a Roman soldier, to the brutal realities of warfare and the camaraderie forged on the battlefield, Bédoyère leaves no stone unturned in his exploration of this fascinating subject. The author’s passion for Roman history is evident on every page, as he delves into the daily lives of these soldiers, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and ultimate sacrifices. Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, he gives readers a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the men who fought and died for the glory of Rome. Whether you are a seasoned history buff or simply curious about the lives of ancient soldiers, “Gladius” is sure to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history, military history, or simply a good story. Bédoyère’s passion for his subject shines through on every page, making this book a truly immersive and enlightening experience.
May 5, 2024
[13 Aug 2021] Reading other reviews it would appear that some think this book is 'superficial' while others think 'it is written to impress other scholars.' These points of views, with respect, suggest the author got it completely right. A book for the general reader with a detailed account of information, drawn from years of scholarship, presented in easy digestible chapters. Focused on the life of ordinary Roman soldiers and not the usual elite. It is exactly what it says it is, but it does require concentration and effort. In particular the names and places are often complicated and take practice to pronounce. The place-names would have been easier if modern equivalents were given along side. There is nothing about battles and conquests, just about the people.
It was an easy read, enjoyable and highly informative read and very well written. You take from it what you want, some parts are obviously going to be of more interest than others. However the author achieves what he wants to - a good overview of the day-to-day life of a Roman soldier across the Roman empire. I really enjoyed it.
It was an easy read, enjoyable and highly informative read and very well written. You take from it what you want, some parts are obviously going to be of more interest than others. However the author achieves what he wants to - a good overview of the day-to-day life of a Roman soldier across the Roman empire. I really enjoyed it.
April 21, 2021
A phenomenal read about the great soldiers of one of them greatest ancient armies hat we still talk about today.
The beauty of this book is that it doesn't get bogged down in glorifying the Romans and their accomplishments, but rather gets into everything involved. Pay, wives, travel, stress, politics, units troubles, equipment, etc etc. All is described and detailed beautifully.
That said, it is not for the amateur. I was humbled by the realization that I am certainly not the history buff I thought I was. As such, not all of the information is necessarily sticking, and I'm not necessarily going to win trivia night after reading this, as alot of information is above my level.
The book is written seemingly with the assumption you already have a solid knowledge of Rome and its history. Despite that, it was still very much an interesting read
The beauty of this book is that it doesn't get bogged down in glorifying the Romans and their accomplishments, but rather gets into everything involved. Pay, wives, travel, stress, politics, units troubles, equipment, etc etc. All is described and detailed beautifully.
That said, it is not for the amateur. I was humbled by the realization that I am certainly not the history buff I thought I was. As such, not all of the information is necessarily sticking, and I'm not necessarily going to win trivia night after reading this, as alot of information is above my level.
The book is written seemingly with the assumption you already have a solid knowledge of Rome and its history. Despite that, it was still very much an interesting read
May 27, 2023
Bédoyère, Guy de la. Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier. E-book ed., University of Chicago Press, 2020.
Gladius was originally published in England by Little, Brown and seems to have three different subtitles.
Guy de la Bédoyère seems to be a man with research passions. His book is at its best when he indulges his passions and tells fascinating and horrifying stories of life as a sword-slinger in the Roman army. He is especially well-versed in the archeological discoveries around Hadrian’s Wall. His detail, especially his descriptions of military campaigns, occasionally obscures his thesis, which seems to be that the Roman army’s nascent bureaucracy was never quite as efficient as it needed to be. I enjoyed it, but I am not sure how much of the detail will stick with me. Four stars.
Gladius was originally published in England by Little, Brown and seems to have three different subtitles.
Guy de la Bédoyère seems to be a man with research passions. His book is at its best when he indulges his passions and tells fascinating and horrifying stories of life as a sword-slinger in the Roman army. He is especially well-versed in the archeological discoveries around Hadrian’s Wall. His detail, especially his descriptions of military campaigns, occasionally obscures his thesis, which seems to be that the Roman army’s nascent bureaucracy was never quite as efficient as it needed to be. I enjoyed it, but I am not sure how much of the detail will stick with me. Four stars.
May 24, 2024
4/5
I enjoyed it quite a lot. It’s about the experiences of ordinary soldiers during the Roman Republic and Empire. Each chapter covers a different topic like recruitment, training, pay, peacetime duties etc. Personally I thought the chapters on Rome’s major defeats (Cannae, Teutoberg Forest etc) and on brutality (by the soldiers and done to the soldiers) were the best in the book. I thought the book was pretty well written with lots of info, maybe a little dense at times.
Since the book is focused on the ordinary legionaries and I wouldn’t recommend it you are specifically interested in the bigger picture stuff like organisation, logistics, strategy of the legions. Additionally the book doesn’t really cover much after 312 when Constantine became emperor, so if you’re looking for 4th century information you won’t get it. Other than that I thought it was a good book
I enjoyed it quite a lot. It’s about the experiences of ordinary soldiers during the Roman Republic and Empire. Each chapter covers a different topic like recruitment, training, pay, peacetime duties etc. Personally I thought the chapters on Rome’s major defeats (Cannae, Teutoberg Forest etc) and on brutality (by the soldiers and done to the soldiers) were the best in the book. I thought the book was pretty well written with lots of info, maybe a little dense at times.
Since the book is focused on the ordinary legionaries and I wouldn’t recommend it you are specifically interested in the bigger picture stuff like organisation, logistics, strategy of the legions. Additionally the book doesn’t really cover much after 312 when Constantine became emperor, so if you’re looking for 4th century information you won’t get it. Other than that I thought it was a good book
March 13, 2021
A comprehensive and wonderfully detailed summary of the ancient Roman army - and everything that came with it. The narrative of the history is meticulously linked back to primary sources (as it should be). I walked away from this book knowing much more about the way the army operated, the significant battles (triumphs and defeats), the army's role in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, the individuals who changed the course of history, the emperors themselves, and of course the common soldiers. Thoroughly recommended for those who have an interest in ancient Rome and who have a brain capable of absorbing this carefully selected material. Bravo.
September 9, 2024
So very readable and insightful!
I began reading Guy De La Bedoyere's books after discovering him (remember Time Team?) on YouTube and watching his lectures and videos. His writing is so very readable; his style is clear, insightful, and scholarly. He is a historian of the Roman Empire, Roman Britain, and Egypt, especially the 18th and the Ptolemaic dynasties. Most important is his style and clarity; he makes the Roman military so much more understandable and human by focusing on the soldiers lives and their leaders during the Republic and the Empire, rather than the army's size, function, and battles. I highly recommend him and this book!
I began reading Guy De La Bedoyere's books after discovering him (remember Time Team?) on YouTube and watching his lectures and videos. His writing is so very readable; his style is clear, insightful, and scholarly. He is a historian of the Roman Empire, Roman Britain, and Egypt, especially the 18th and the Ptolemaic dynasties. Most important is his style and clarity; he makes the Roman military so much more understandable and human by focusing on the soldiers lives and their leaders during the Republic and the Empire, rather than the army's size, function, and battles. I highly recommend him and this book!
June 30, 2025
Fascinating look at soldiers of Rome
An excellent collection of snapshots of the lives of individual soldiers in Roman history. I found it well written and learned much of the structure of the Roman Century system of military organization. Reading this book is time well spent by those who enjoy military history. My only quibble, and quibble it is, would be that the lack of chronological connection between chapters left me struggling at times. But that doesn't appear to be the author's focus and shows my own ignorance in the subject. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
An excellent collection of snapshots of the lives of individual soldiers in Roman history. I found it well written and learned much of the structure of the Roman Century system of military organization. Reading this book is time well spent by those who enjoy military history. My only quibble, and quibble it is, would be that the lack of chronological connection between chapters left me struggling at times. But that doesn't appear to be the author's focus and shows my own ignorance in the subject. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
March 31, 2021
5/5 for the volume of information. It throws so much at you and never really develops a solid narrative, so it can become a bit of a slog at times. That said, I wouldn't dissuade a roman history enthusiast from it. The scholarship is great and there is much to learn, but I didn't feel I could just binge out on it. Hence the 3 stars and the longer than normal duration of time it took me to read it.
August 25, 2025
Published in 2020, 'Gladius - Fighting and Dying in the Roman Army' is an attempt at a walk-through of the life and routine of the various types of Roman soldier. This makes for a long-winded and rambling account, particularly as it involves jumping from one theatre of activities to another on the same page as well as jumping back and forth in time due to the timescales involved. Having said that, once you get used to that it works very well and I thought that it was magnificent.
May 17, 2021
Interesting and covers a wide scope of material, generally succeeding in looking at life in the army for an average soldier. However, sometimes the breadth of information results in a slight lack of direction. Often the author will use a lot of examples/anecdotes to illustrate a point, but in doing so the main thrust of the argument can be somewhat lost in the detail.
April 10, 2023
A heavy read but I deffo learnt a lot. The book build a good general picture of the Roman army in its height with a focus on the people rather than just the army's achievements which was good.
I would have liked a timeline to show all the wars and where they took place alongside the emperors (they are listed in the back but a joined up timeline would have helped me).
I would have liked a timeline to show all the wars and where they took place alongside the emperors (they are listed in the back but a joined up timeline would have helped me).
June 16, 2021
I'm a bit of a history nerd so I enjoyed the detail present in this book. Plenty of names of individuals, places and legions/cohorts are presented to you on practically every page which leads me to suspect that it might be heavier going for a more casual reader.
December 22, 2022
A very heavy read with different years, names, cities (ancient and modern), and legions thrown in. However, very informative and very clearly incredibly researched. A fantastic book and wonderful information. Highly recommend if interested in the Roman military in the slightest.
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May 8, 2023A detailed insight into the soldiers and operations of the Roman Army based on the evidence available. Rather too detailed for me as a general reader, but for someone who wants to know these facts then recommended.
August 14, 2024
excellent historical piece of work
The author has written a book that defies description in its intense nature in revealing the world of the Roman Soldier. This book is a must read and I recommend it to all history buffs. I highly recommend this book.
The author has written a book that defies description in its intense nature in revealing the world of the Roman Soldier. This book is a must read and I recommend it to all history buffs. I highly recommend this book.
January 8, 2025
Great book to find out about the life of how the roman soldiers lived. There was also information about Roman emperors, I just wish there was more information about the emperors rather than the soldiers.
February 10, 2025
A really interesting book. I didn't think I'd be so interested in reading about armies and fighting, but it told me much more than that about the Romans in general, better than reading about emperors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews