What do you think?
Rate this book
The Complete Roman Army
The Roman army was one of the most successful fighting forces in history. Its organization and tactics were highly advanced and were unequaled until the modern era. Spectacular monuments to its perseverance and engineering skill are still visible today, most notably Hadrian’s Wall and the siegeworks around the fortress of Masada.
This book is the first to examine in detail not just the early imperial army but also the citizens’ militia of the Republic and the army of the later Empire. The unprecedented scope and longevity 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. Key battles and tactics are described, and there are brief biographies of the great commanders.
Drawing on archaeology, ancient art, and original documentary sources, this book presents the most convincing history ever published of the Roman army.
This book is the first to examine in detail not just the early imperial army but also the citizens’ militia of the Republic and the army of the later Empire. The unprecedented scope and longevity 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. Key battles and tactics are described, and there are brief biographies of the great commanders.
Drawing on archaeology, ancient art, and original documentary sources, this book presents the most convincing history ever published of the Roman army.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
37 people are currently reading
1805 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Goldsworthy
45 books1,549 followersAdrian Goldsworthy, born in 1969, is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including biographies of Julius Caesar and Augustus. He lectures widely and consults on historical documentaries for the History Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He lives in the UK.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 5, 2015
This was a really informative and concise overview of how the Roman Army functioned. This book broke it's analysis down into a of a number of convenient and accessible sections which ranged from 'The life of a Roman soldier' to 'The Roman Army at war'. I found both the greater picture about how an army at war functioned and the smaller picture examining the day-to-day lives of the soldiers who made up the army interesting. I also enjoyed the narrative approach Goldsworthy took to describing the evolution of the army. It was engaging to see how the army began as the militia of a small village, developed into the doggedly determined but ineffective arm of conquest for an ambitious republic, became the seemingly invincible bulwark of ruthless efficiency that maintained Pax Romana with an iron fist before slowly crumbling under the pressures of economic decline and bitter civil war. However it should be noted that the main focus of this book was on the Principate period so if you're interested in the Republic or the Late Empire you will want to check out other books as well. Overall this was a really enjoyable and informative read that I would recommend to anyone with a interest in Roman or military history.
Read
October 10, 2022This was a really interesting work of non-fiction which explores the evolution of the Roman army from when it was the Republic, to when it became the Principate (with Caesars) and then the army during Late Antiquity. It is interesting that much was continued throughout these ages, including much of the attitude as well as tactics, but at the same time the manner the force evolved is also fascinating.
Adrian Goldsworthy breaks this down in a brilliant and engaging way. With the amount of content, it would have been easy to have long dry segments going into detail about certain aspects of the army. Adrian Goldsworthy does not fall into that trap, brilliantly mixing up discussion of equipment, with history, conjecture and little stories about Ancient Rome which really adds a nice splice of reality and vivid detail.
Full Review to Come
Adrian Goldsworthy breaks this down in a brilliant and engaging way. With the amount of content, it would have been easy to have long dry segments going into detail about certain aspects of the army. Adrian Goldsworthy does not fall into that trap, brilliantly mixing up discussion of equipment, with history, conjecture and little stories about Ancient Rome which really adds a nice splice of reality and vivid detail.
Full Review to Come
November 4, 2021
Adrian Goldsworthy has penned a gem. "The Complete Roman Army" is not only quite readable but serves as an excellent reference book for anyone wishing for a complete picture of the Roman Army.
It is broken into five parts. The first, "The Republican Army" traces the origins of the Roman Legions when Rome was a young Republic. Starting with hoplite traditions, the citizen-soldiers of the Republican Armies were able to score dramatic victories against foes such as Carthage.
The second section, "The Professional Army" covers the reforms of Gaius Marius (Julius Caesar's uncle) to the legions (whence they were called "Marius' Mules") and moves on to the Legions of the Principate (or Imperial).
The third section "The Life of a Roman Soldier" covers a myriad of topics from how to join a legion to the equipment and daily life of a Legionnaire.
The fourth, "The Army at War" covers how the Romans conducted battles, campaigns and sieges.
The fifth, and last, section covers "The Army of Late Antiquity" and shows the various changes that occurred during the disintegration of the Empire and how the polyglot Legions of the time operated.
Full of fascinating information, chock full of great illustrations and pictures and some rather unique historical footnotes- such as how a Roman artillery piece known as the carroballistae, during the siege of Jerusalem, was able to hit a pregnant woman, which tore her apart and flung her unborn child "some distance away". Um okay then...
A great addition to my library and one that anyone with an interest in the Roman Legions should own. Highly Recommended.
It is broken into five parts. The first, "The Republican Army" traces the origins of the Roman Legions when Rome was a young Republic. Starting with hoplite traditions, the citizen-soldiers of the Republican Armies were able to score dramatic victories against foes such as Carthage.
The second section, "The Professional Army" covers the reforms of Gaius Marius (Julius Caesar's uncle) to the legions (whence they were called "Marius' Mules") and moves on to the Legions of the Principate (or Imperial).
The third section "The Life of a Roman Soldier" covers a myriad of topics from how to join a legion to the equipment and daily life of a Legionnaire.
The fourth, "The Army at War" covers how the Romans conducted battles, campaigns and sieges.
The fifth, and last, section covers "The Army of Late Antiquity" and shows the various changes that occurred during the disintegration of the Empire and how the polyglot Legions of the time operated.
Full of fascinating information, chock full of great illustrations and pictures and some rather unique historical footnotes- such as how a Roman artillery piece known as the carroballistae, during the siege of Jerusalem, was able to hit a pregnant woman, which tore her apart and flung her unborn child "some distance away". Um okay then...
A great addition to my library and one that anyone with an interest in the Roman Legions should own. Highly Recommended.
April 25, 2021
Here you will find what truly made Rome an empire. Tactics and weapons that transformed soldiers into an army when war was up front, personal and barbaric. Much more fascinating than any silliness conjured up by the “Star Wars” lackeys. Great illustrations.
July 19, 2024
Foarte bună
May 8, 2017
Another excellent history book.
I've always been fascinated with Rome, and reading some more on its fascinating, brutal and super-highly-efficient ways nevert hurts. This books treats us to some eight centuries of progress in the organization, tactics and weaponry of the Roman army, spanning the three distinct periods: the Republic, the Empire, and the sort-of post-Imperial late antiquity decline.
The Romans left a lot of records and archeology behind, so there's a lot to tell, too. The book goes into vivid detail describing the political, economic and environmental conditions that drove the Romans into creating the best military force till about the industrial era.
In the Republic, soldiers were basically feudal retainers, but they were all citizens, and Romans did not use slaves, not even on their galleys. They had smaller legions, they used other nations for cavalry support, and they slowed developed their unstoppable infantry formation, with the pillum and the shield as their primary weapons. Adrian also treats us to a number of famous, epic battles of this period, most notably the war against the wheat-rich Carthage.
The Empire is all about the power - on all levels. The old ways of the Republic were no longer sufficient to sustain the growth and the expansion, so emperors instigated major changes. The legions became bigger, the old levy method was replaced with a professional system that drew its ranks from the commoners rather than richer citizens of the past, and new ranks were introduced to support the army stricture. Even so, senators still meddled a lot in the army's way, and knowing the right people helped get promotions. Again, we learn about some notable battles of this time, including a few famous defeats in Germany and the revolt in Judea.
Late antiquity tells the story of the decline - in every way. Units got smaller, cavalry got more focus, and what remains behind the ruins of the Western Empire is the chieftain-and-his-buddies system that would dominate the dark ages till the ressurection of the feudal system with Charlemagne. And so it goes in circles. We learn more about the escapades in the east, the war against the Persians, the improvements in the weaponry and armor, and the general loss of focus through civil wars. Christianity is mentioned, but it does seem to have had any impact on the army.
Regardless of the specific era, the Roman army was an amazing institution. Soldiers had dog tags, every activity was logged in detail, and discipline was severe. The fighting methods and the march in silence are just awesome. The Roman army never really had real opponents save for the last century or so. It was always morally and tactically superior.
The service was long, but it came with perks. Legionnaires were not just fighters, they were craftsmen and engineers, and they did everything the army needed. Soldiers also invested money in tombstones, as it was important to be noted after death. We also learn about families and how this worked - as soldiers were barred from marrying.
There's a lot more in the book, including biographies of great commanders, the importance and status of the centurion, unit flags, names and slogans, peacetime activities, fortifications and their purpose, sieges, combat tactics, the auxiliary units, the inclusion of different nations and people within the military ranks, and more.
This is a very varied, colorful book, with lots of great drawings and photographs of archeological sites, quotes, speeches from emperors, intrigue and scheming, detailed descriptions of armor suites and weapons, and logistics. While the focus is on the army, it actually tells a compelling story of a society behind the army, the fine balance betweent the civil and military power, and how Rome managed to conquer the old world with such a small but elite force of professionals.
Well worth its time. Highly recommended.
Igor
I've always been fascinated with Rome, and reading some more on its fascinating, brutal and super-highly-efficient ways nevert hurts. This books treats us to some eight centuries of progress in the organization, tactics and weaponry of the Roman army, spanning the three distinct periods: the Republic, the Empire, and the sort-of post-Imperial late antiquity decline.
The Romans left a lot of records and archeology behind, so there's a lot to tell, too. The book goes into vivid detail describing the political, economic and environmental conditions that drove the Romans into creating the best military force till about the industrial era.
In the Republic, soldiers were basically feudal retainers, but they were all citizens, and Romans did not use slaves, not even on their galleys. They had smaller legions, they used other nations for cavalry support, and they slowed developed their unstoppable infantry formation, with the pillum and the shield as their primary weapons. Adrian also treats us to a number of famous, epic battles of this period, most notably the war against the wheat-rich Carthage.
The Empire is all about the power - on all levels. The old ways of the Republic were no longer sufficient to sustain the growth and the expansion, so emperors instigated major changes. The legions became bigger, the old levy method was replaced with a professional system that drew its ranks from the commoners rather than richer citizens of the past, and new ranks were introduced to support the army stricture. Even so, senators still meddled a lot in the army's way, and knowing the right people helped get promotions. Again, we learn about some notable battles of this time, including a few famous defeats in Germany and the revolt in Judea.
Late antiquity tells the story of the decline - in every way. Units got smaller, cavalry got more focus, and what remains behind the ruins of the Western Empire is the chieftain-and-his-buddies system that would dominate the dark ages till the ressurection of the feudal system with Charlemagne. And so it goes in circles. We learn more about the escapades in the east, the war against the Persians, the improvements in the weaponry and armor, and the general loss of focus through civil wars. Christianity is mentioned, but it does seem to have had any impact on the army.
Regardless of the specific era, the Roman army was an amazing institution. Soldiers had dog tags, every activity was logged in detail, and discipline was severe. The fighting methods and the march in silence are just awesome. The Roman army never really had real opponents save for the last century or so. It was always morally and tactically superior.
The service was long, but it came with perks. Legionnaires were not just fighters, they were craftsmen and engineers, and they did everything the army needed. Soldiers also invested money in tombstones, as it was important to be noted after death. We also learn about families and how this worked - as soldiers were barred from marrying.
There's a lot more in the book, including biographies of great commanders, the importance and status of the centurion, unit flags, names and slogans, peacetime activities, fortifications and their purpose, sieges, combat tactics, the auxiliary units, the inclusion of different nations and people within the military ranks, and more.
This is a very varied, colorful book, with lots of great drawings and photographs of archeological sites, quotes, speeches from emperors, intrigue and scheming, detailed descriptions of armor suites and weapons, and logistics. While the focus is on the army, it actually tells a compelling story of a society behind the army, the fine balance betweent the civil and military power, and how Rome managed to conquer the old world with such a small but elite force of professionals.
Well worth its time. Highly recommended.
Igor
June 17, 2020
I admit I am a history geek. Roman history, especially on the Roman military, happens to be one of my fave go to topics. Adrian Goldsworthy is one of my fave authors to read when it comes to the history of Rome. I find his books incredibly informative and easy to read. This book did not disappoint! I found it engaging from start to finish. I was able to learn more in depth about the Roman army. I am now looking for my next Adrian Goldsworthy book to read next!
July 9, 2022
this is good solid dry history. expect to learn a lot, not to be entertained.
"Men who had been condemned to be thrown to the wild beasts, deported to an island or exiled for a fixed term not yet expired were barred from joining the army."- good to know!
"Men who had been condemned to be thrown to the wild beasts, deported to an island or exiled for a fixed term not yet expired were barred from joining the army."- good to know!
June 20, 2021
This is a wonderful book with a lot of useful information in it. It’s a must have for any ancient world collection.
November 17, 2014
The author is an expert in Roman military matters with several previous works to his credit, and even though he’s an academic, his style is exceptionally readable without being oversimplified or talking down to the reader. He begins with the origins of the citizen army under the early Republic, made up of soldiers who volunteered as a matter of patriotism. This worked fine for several centuries, when Rome’s sphere of influence was still relatively small and campaigns were limited in time. As conquests expanded, though, and continuous occupation became necessary, a full-time professional army became necessary, made up of career soldiers receiving pay. The ethnic make-up of the army also shifted, with a large percentage of non-Italians being accepted -- though they were still citizens, as the law required -- and with a much greater proportion of non-citizen auxiliaries added to the TO. Other sections of the book cover the many aspects of a soldier’s life, both on garrison duty (which might be most of the time) and at war. Great attention is given to weapons and equipment, and the author is careful to note the many competing theories based on scarce evidence. The nearly 250 illustrations even include photos of modern reenactors, whose experiments and field trials have answered many scholarly questions. A lovely book, well written and edited, and very useful as a bridge between casual interest and academic study.
October 5, 2023
This is another fantastic volume from Mr. Goldsworthy, I am amazed by the amount of details included for each and every chapter in this book about the Roman army. Some of it is of course educated guesswork, but I see here more epigraphic sources than in most other books combined, which is a certain addition to what the ancient authors say. Combining archeology and the interpretation of all available sources and sometimes hints are the way forward, given, as it's also stated in this book, it's highly unlikely that we can find new texts from e.g. the missing books of Livy. I also loved the approach to integrate the experiences of historical reenactors with certain piece of equipment of the time. I agree, this can add to our understanding of how the army functioned back in the day. I would also like to note the interesting tidbits about the Vindolanda excavations and much UK-specific findings that are covered in this book. Let's not forget that in the earliest form, this is still an early 2000s status of our understanding, but I believe this is a very good starting point for those interested in the workings of the Roman army, and would-be historians can learn from this a lot too.
September 8, 2019
Adrian Goldsworthy, along with Robin Lane Fox, is the greatest history writer we have on the Ancients and the number one Roman History writer in the world. In this work, he gives us a complete breakdown on the Roman Army throughout its centuries in operation. What I found most important about this book was that Goldsworthy tells us what we actually know to be factual and informs us when we are just guessing. I was surprised how much we actually do not know and, in particular, how much is based off the depictions in one single monument: Trajan's column.
A great book for those passionate about military history or ancient warfare.
A great book for those passionate about military history or ancient warfare.
January 3, 2026
Wonderfully comprehensive for such a modest sized volume, about as detailed as it gets before having to explore specific topics individually.
May 10, 2020
To anyone who's interested in roman military or warfare in classical antiquity. The book is not too long and yet covers broadly aspects of military life in Rome, not just battles but equipment, leadership, camps, tactics and morale. One must appreciate just how many times Goldsworthy admits that this here "fact" is something to dispute or there isn't even a clue how something actually worked or was used. Although the book has plenty of images and is very well written, it also offers some insight just how hard it is to research history of the antiquity. Even though it's a book for everyone, it somewhat lures you into the research side of history rather than just reading what and where. Excellent book to have if you have or plan to read other Goldsworthy's books like Punic Wars or For the Rome.
The book is mainly focused on the professional armies of the Principate especially on the land warfare. Although naval warfare of the Punic Wars from Republic Era is somewhat covered, it's totally neglected in later pages. The Dominate era gets only around 10 pages at the end of the book.
Also I would recommend this to anyone interested in writing a fantasy book that has some sort of medieval/antiquity type warfare in it.
The book is mainly focused on the professional armies of the Principate especially on the land warfare. Although naval warfare of the Punic Wars from Republic Era is somewhat covered, it's totally neglected in later pages. The Dominate era gets only around 10 pages at the end of the book.
Also I would recommend this to anyone interested in writing a fantasy book that has some sort of medieval/antiquity type warfare in it.
October 1, 2014
A good solid general history of the Roman Army. Short history of Rome, how the Army developed through the years, day-to-day life of the soldiers, command structure and charts of a few of the most important battles. Since 2003 when it was published, I'm sure archaeologists and scholars have 'dug up' [pun intended] more and possibly more accurate information. There was not enough on the Late Imperial army to suit me [only 8 pp.]; I had a couple of questions the book did not answer so I might want something a little more comprehensive. The index was barely adequate. The photos, drawings, and diagrams were fantastic!
July 17, 2018
An ABSOLUTE MUST for anyone wanting to write or study Roman Military History. The detail is extraordinary, the facts always stand up when cross referenced. It's superbly written, so even if you are a relative novice (which I was when I first read) its easy enough to read and engrossing from start to finish.
Four years after I first read it cover to cover there is barely a writing session that goes by when I don't feel the need to pick it up and just double check a fact.
Would also like to give a shout out for the illustrations which are brilliant, and really help to bring to life the words in black an white. Highly recommend!
Four years after I first read it cover to cover there is barely a writing session that goes by when I don't feel the need to pick it up and just double check a fact.
Would also like to give a shout out for the illustrations which are brilliant, and really help to bring to life the words in black an white. Highly recommend!
July 31, 2020
As a Roman History buff I always look for a book that could answer basic military questions in a readable manner. Is this large format book ever it!. With many pictures, maps. diagrams and illustrations, this book covers every aspect of the Roman army from Republican days, through the principate, to the later years: tactics, organization, logistics, medicine, daily life etc. It is absolutely superb. . What surprised me is how organized the system was and how much our current military owes to its forbears. Well done! Any history buff should try and have this in their library
March 4, 2017
Een blik in het dagelijkse leven van een Romeinse legionair: hoe hij leefde, wat hij deed wanneer er geen militaire dreiging was, wie zijn oversten waren. Het boek is geïllustreerd, vaak met foto's van reenactors. Het hoofdstuk over het late West-Romeinse Keizerrijk is zeer summier. Beter hierover inzake militaire strategie "The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire" van Edward Luttwak te lezen.
April 26, 2020
Very informative without being too detailed or technical. Mostly focused on the army of the Principate but there are good sections on Republican and Late Antiquity armies too
April 2, 2018
If you are looking for a terrific, detailed look at the Roman military look no further. It's true that naval warfare and marine engagements are given short shrift, but fighting on water was never the Roman preference anyway. For a look at the legions - for most of Roman history the well-trained, well-equipped, multi-skilled land army - this book is the best you'll find.
The book covers 500 years of history, but the time up to Augustus and the Principate is given only 50 pages or so at the beginning of the book, and late antiquity (civil wars, the fall of the West) is given even shorter shrift. However, this leaves 150 or so pages of detailed analysis on all aspects of the late-Republic and Imperial army. This includes equipment and organization, recruitment and training, duty rosters (and even what legionnaires did off duty), religion sieges and heavy equipment, logistics and much more. For example, the author talks about the ways that ancient armies greeted each other, their contrasting methods of attempting to intimidate - Germans with war cries, Romans with a near silent, relentless approach until in spear throwing range when they toss, bellow and surge forward. I've read a lot of Roman history, but I've never had as clear a picture of what a legionnaire did in battle as I did from The Complete Roman Army.
In my opinion, the best parts of this book are those that try to get "down and dirty" with ancient soldiers and officers. A lot of time is spent explaining who these people were, where they came from and what their lives were like. I especially liked how in places the author contrasted the best available evidence with the Hollywood image and explicitly states that "though you've seen that on the big screen, what probably happened is this instead." Mr. Goldworthy explains both strategy and tactics in detail, down to the level of a front line soldier clashing with his enemy. These sections paint a vivid picture of these people's lives, some of the most dangerous and pointed moments of their lives, and makes their world breathe again.
This is an excellent book on the subject, good for a read-through and as a check-a-topic reference. If you are interested in the topic check this one out.
The book covers 500 years of history, but the time up to Augustus and the Principate is given only 50 pages or so at the beginning of the book, and late antiquity (civil wars, the fall of the West) is given even shorter shrift. However, this leaves 150 or so pages of detailed analysis on all aspects of the late-Republic and Imperial army. This includes equipment and organization, recruitment and training, duty rosters (and even what legionnaires did off duty), religion sieges and heavy equipment, logistics and much more. For example, the author talks about the ways that ancient armies greeted each other, their contrasting methods of attempting to intimidate - Germans with war cries, Romans with a near silent, relentless approach until in spear throwing range when they toss, bellow and surge forward. I've read a lot of Roman history, but I've never had as clear a picture of what a legionnaire did in battle as I did from The Complete Roman Army.
In my opinion, the best parts of this book are those that try to get "down and dirty" with ancient soldiers and officers. A lot of time is spent explaining who these people were, where they came from and what their lives were like. I especially liked how in places the author contrasted the best available evidence with the Hollywood image and explicitly states that "though you've seen that on the big screen, what probably happened is this instead." Mr. Goldworthy explains both strategy and tactics in detail, down to the level of a front line soldier clashing with his enemy. These sections paint a vivid picture of these people's lives, some of the most dangerous and pointed moments of their lives, and makes their world breathe again.
This is an excellent book on the subject, good for a read-through and as a check-a-topic reference. If you are interested in the topic check this one out.
June 20, 2021
This is likely to be the best overview of the Roman army out there. Goldsworthy’s book, like most of what he has written, is very accessible to a nonacademic reader and packs a great deal of what is available about the Roman Army. The book discusses its evolution throughout the ages, from the militia soldiers that fought Hannibal, passing by the professional soldiers that followed Caesar into Gaul culminating in the armies that fought the Barbarian Invasions in Late Antiquity.
The author relies on an extensive number of sources, including a vast array of archeological evidence (lists, grave inscriptions, monument details, letters, buildings etc) which contribute to a more wholesome perception of how the army was organized and how the soldiers and commanders thought. One gets both a top-down view on how the army operated considering the perspective of the commanders and a bottom-up perspective of the daily life of soldiers. I particularly liked how Goldsworthy emphasizes on what there is still no consensus (like the overall grand strategy of the Roman state) and on what there is simply not enough evidence to form a coherent picture (like the rank and promotion structure).
To support all this there is a vast collection of pictures, illustrations, and frameworks throughout the book, which I cannot emphasize enough how helpful they are in making the theme more palpable. The paperback edition is printed in very high-quality paper as well, which enhances the experience. A small drawback is that the book puts a lot of emphasis on the army of the Principate period, so if you are looking for more details on how the army was structured in the early republican times or in Late Antiquity maybe you will need to look elsewhere. However, I’m not entirely sure as how much of this focus is simply because we have more evidence for the army structure during this period. Overall, this is a great resource for anyone interested in the topic.
The author relies on an extensive number of sources, including a vast array of archeological evidence (lists, grave inscriptions, monument details, letters, buildings etc) which contribute to a more wholesome perception of how the army was organized and how the soldiers and commanders thought. One gets both a top-down view on how the army operated considering the perspective of the commanders and a bottom-up perspective of the daily life of soldiers. I particularly liked how Goldsworthy emphasizes on what there is still no consensus (like the overall grand strategy of the Roman state) and on what there is simply not enough evidence to form a coherent picture (like the rank and promotion structure).
To support all this there is a vast collection of pictures, illustrations, and frameworks throughout the book, which I cannot emphasize enough how helpful they are in making the theme more palpable. The paperback edition is printed in very high-quality paper as well, which enhances the experience. A small drawback is that the book puts a lot of emphasis on the army of the Principate period, so if you are looking for more details on how the army was structured in the early republican times or in Late Antiquity maybe you will need to look elsewhere. However, I’m not entirely sure as how much of this focus is simply because we have more evidence for the army structure during this period. Overall, this is a great resource for anyone interested in the topic.
November 16, 2023
Pentru a putea menține pacea și coeziunea vastului Imperiu Roman, cel care se întindea de la deșerturile Africii până la granița de nord a Angliei la momentul său de maximă glorie erau folosite 34 de legiuni, adică cel puțin jumătate de milion de oameni, unele surse estimând chiar și 700.000. Ca o mică paranteză de început, mongolii nu au avut niciodată sub arme mai mult de 200.000.
Născut în 1969, autorul cărții este un istoric englez, profesor doctor, personalitate TV (multe documentare de popularizare avându-l drept consultant), specializat în chiar istoria militară antică, care scrie și ficțiune istorică. Ca parte a unei mici serii de cărți "totul despre..." a ales să trateze un subiect foarte la îndemână profilului său universitar, și anume evoluția mașinii de război romane de la începuturi și până în secolul V d. Hr. Lucrarea este perfect echilibrată în profunzime, fiind la limita dintre facilitatea literară a unui interes pasager asupra subiectului și micro-granulația academică - sau necesitatea indexării fiecărei surse unice și a oricărei menționări a numelui unei legiuni din acele surse. Pe lângă analiza istorică sănătoasă și imparțială a autorului, profilul seriei ne mai oferă și numeroase fotografii (cu subiecte antice sau moderne), câteva hărți ale unor bătălii mai celebre și câteva schițe foarte reușite ale echipamentului soldaților romani din diverse perioade. Pentru cunoscători, cartea se află la intersecția dintre enciclopediile pentru măsuța-de-cafea a celor de la DK și calapodul atât de utilizat al celor de la Osprey, fiind o sursă de încredere și aproape exhaustivă pentru majoritatea cititorilor pasionați de acest subiect care încă nu au ajuns să parcurgă toate cele peste 100 de surse bibliografice studiate de autor în realizarea cărții.
Născut în 1969, autorul cărții este un istoric englez, profesor doctor, personalitate TV (multe documentare de popularizare avându-l drept consultant), specializat în chiar istoria militară antică, care scrie și ficțiune istorică. Ca parte a unei mici serii de cărți "totul despre..." a ales să trateze un subiect foarte la îndemână profilului său universitar, și anume evoluția mașinii de război romane de la începuturi și până în secolul V d. Hr. Lucrarea este perfect echilibrată în profunzime, fiind la limita dintre facilitatea literară a unui interes pasager asupra subiectului și micro-granulația academică - sau necesitatea indexării fiecărei surse unice și a oricărei menționări a numelui unei legiuni din acele surse. Pe lângă analiza istorică sănătoasă și imparțială a autorului, profilul seriei ne mai oferă și numeroase fotografii (cu subiecte antice sau moderne), câteva hărți ale unor bătălii mai celebre și câteva schițe foarte reușite ale echipamentului soldaților romani din diverse perioade. Pentru cunoscători, cartea se află la intersecția dintre enciclopediile pentru măsuța-de-cafea a celor de la DK și calapodul atât de utilizat al celor de la Osprey, fiind o sursă de încredere și aproape exhaustivă pentru majoritatea cititorilor pasionați de acest subiect care încă nu au ajuns să parcurgă toate cele peste 100 de surse bibliografice studiate de autor în realizarea cărții.
April 12, 2018
This is a very good, moderately more then surface level review of the Roman Army during late Imperial times. It did have a lot of data I hadn't seen before. It included bits and pieces about the day to day life and the uses of certain equipment, what happened after their service, religion and even what they did off duty.
It isn't as in-depth as some older works, but it is written to make it easier to understand. It also isn't something to be read like a novel, it has a lot more in common with a coffee table type textbook. The art is great though, the writing flows smoothly and I found it pretty nice.
It does give somewhat of a short shrift to the Roman Navy, to the early years, and the end years of the Roman Army. However, those are such different periods with different focuses that it might be for best not trying to cover them as well in more detail.
If you like stuff about Rome and the Roman Army, I definitely recommend this.
It isn't as in-depth as some older works, but it is written to make it easier to understand. It also isn't something to be read like a novel, it has a lot more in common with a coffee table type textbook. The art is great though, the writing flows smoothly and I found it pretty nice.
It does give somewhat of a short shrift to the Roman Navy, to the early years, and the end years of the Roman Army. However, those are such different periods with different focuses that it might be for best not trying to cover them as well in more detail.
If you like stuff about Rome and the Roman Army, I definitely recommend this.
January 9, 2024
This book was exactly what I was looking for; an overview of the institution that more than any other dominated and defined the Roman Empire. It covers every aspect of the army, from recruitment to grave from the tedium of peacetime operations to the rare, but thrilling crux of war.
I was struck by just how much the army defined the Empire. For most people it was really the only thing that made the Roman empire. The army provided policing, engineers, administrative services and raw man power for a variety of purposes apart from the key feature of keeping outside forces out of the empire.
The illustrations were a key feature, often the pictures would illuminate parts of the text that were hard to picture and sear it into your mind.
I was struck by just how much the army defined the Empire. For most people it was really the only thing that made the Roman empire. The army provided policing, engineers, administrative services and raw man power for a variety of purposes apart from the key feature of keeping outside forces out of the empire.
The illustrations were a key feature, often the pictures would illuminate parts of the text that were hard to picture and sear it into your mind.
February 28, 2019
Livro conta com papel de altíssima gramatura, 245 ilustrações, sendo 107 coloridas, exibindo esquemas, mapas, fotos de achados arqueológicos e muitas partes da Coluna de Trajano e da Muralha de Adriano.
Adrian Goldsworthy examina os exércitos da República, do início e do final da era imperial, detalhando as táticas, formações, técnicas de batalha, assim como equipamentos e estruturas de defesa e combate.
Ótima leitura, conteúdo riquíssimo, recomendadíssimo para os interessados no sistema militar romano.
Adrian Goldsworthy examina os exércitos da República, do início e do final da era imperial, detalhando as táticas, formações, técnicas de batalha, assim como equipamentos e estruturas de defesa e combate.
Ótima leitura, conteúdo riquíssimo, recomendadíssimo para os interessados no sistema militar romano.
June 21, 2025
I do enjoy Goldsworthy's work on the Roman Empire. This book tries to cover the various aspects of the Roman army over the centuries in a concise book. The operative word is "tries". There is simply too much data for Goldsworthy to cover so he glances over the various arms and armaments as the army changes over the course of a thousand years, but he does cover many different aspects of that are usually not covered, such as religious practices of the soldiers. It is not for scholars but it is great for the lay reader looking to get greater details about the Roman military.
July 9, 2021
As always Adrian Goldsworthy never disappoints. A wonderful book full of details and facts of the glorious Roman military machine. His research is impeccable as always. And the many beautiful illustrations bring it to life.
March 16, 2018
A very well written, complete yet concise, account of the Roman army. Good illustrations, balanced perspectives
October 30, 2018
Wonderful book. Clear pictures and information, though I would only recommend it to avid Roman adherents.
November 23, 2020
Fantastic. I learned quite a bit from this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews