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Follows the military lives of three soldiers across the Roman world, providing interesting, historical insight into the Roman military from the late republic to the end of antiquity in the west
This book introduces readers to three historical Roman soldiers—Titus Pullo from the late republic, Aurelius Polion from the high imperial era, and Flavius Aemilianus from late antiquity. The three men inspire the themes and chronological organization of the text.?Drawing on a wide and diverse body of evidence, the author charts their lives from enlistment to death or retirement, allowing students to envision the life of a Roman soldier who is on duty or experiencing adventures across the Roman world.
An Introduction to the Roman Military: From Marius (100 BCE) to Theodosius II (450 CE) starts with a historical overview before introducing readers to the Roman soldier. It covers such things as the military hierarchy, soldierly origins, recruitment and training, and the soldier's appearance and identity. The next section looks at the Roman military during war—its environment, strategies, campaigns, and enemies. Their existence during times of peace follows that and focuses on how soldiers celebrated victory, mourned defeat, and readjusted to civilian life after a war. The book also features a timeline for readers to follow, as well as two glossaries—one filled with Roman military terms and the other with important names and events.
Authentically captures the experiences of Roman soldiers
Educates undergraduate or graduate students on Roman military history
Describes Roman soldiers based on legal, epigraphic, and archaeological evidence
Emphasizes the human side of the Roman military
Moves through three Roman historical periods—the late republic, high imperial, and late antiquity
An Introduction to the Roman Military is an engaging choice as a text for specific courses on the Roman military or army. It is also suitable for more general courses covering ancient warfare.
In addition to university students, researchers and history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to follow the military lives of three Roman soldiers with this unique book.
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
Introduction
I. Background
1. Sources and Approaches
2. Historical Overview
3. Soldierly Origins and Background
II. Becoming a Soldier
4. Recruitment and Training
5. Unit Organization and Structure
6. Appearance, Equipment, and Identity
III. Preparing for War
7. Strategy, Frontiers, and War
8. Campaigns and Supply
9. Rome’s Foes
IV. Fighting at the Front
10. Combat: Battle
11. Combat: Sieges
12. Life After War: Celebrating Victory, Mourning Defeat, and Readjusting to Civilian Life
V. Beyond War
13. Friends and Family
14. The Military and the State
15. Retirement: Veterans and Their Legacy
Conclusion
Glossary: Roman Military Terms
List of Roman Wars/Battles, Roman Emperors, and Select Important Events
Further Reading and Bibliography
IndexDescription
Follows the military lives of three soldiers across the Roman world, providing interesting, historical insight into the Roman military from the late republic to the end of antiquity in the west
This book introduces readers to three historical Roman soldiers—Titus Pullo from the late republic, Aurelius Polion from the high imperial era, and Flavius Aemilianus from late antiquity. The three men inspire the themes and chronological organization of the text.?Drawing on a wide and diverse body of evidence, the author charts their lives from enlistment to death or retirement, allowing students to envision the life of a Roman soldier who is on duty or experiencing adventures across the Roman world.
An Introduction to the Roman Military: From Marius (100 BCE) to Theodosius II (450 CE) starts with a historical overview before introducing readers to the Roman soldier. It covers such things as the military hierarchy, soldierly origins, recruitment and training, and the soldier's appearance and identity. The next section looks at the Roman military during war—its environment, strategies, campaigns, and enemies. Their existence during times of peace follows that and focuses on how soldiers celebrated victory, mourned defeat, and readjusted to civilian life after a war. The book also features a timeline for readers to follow, as well as two glossaries—one filled with Roman military terms and the other with important names and events.
Authentically captures the experiences of Roman soldiers
Educates undergraduate or graduate students on Roman military history
Describes Roman soldiers based on legal, epigraphic, and archaeological evidence
Emphasizes the human side of the Roman military
Moves through three Roman historical periods—the late republic, high imperial, and late antiquity
An Introduction to the Roman Military is an engaging choice as a text for specific courses on the Roman military or army. It is also suitable for more general courses covering ancient warfare.
In addition to university students, researchers and history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to follow the military lives of three Roman soldiers with this unique book.