In the years between 31 BC and AD 500 the Romans carved out a mighty empire stretching from Britain to the deserts of North Africa.

The men who spearheaded this expansion were the centurions, the tough, professional warriors who led from the front, exerted savage discipline and provided a role model for the legionaries under their command. This book, the second volume of a two-part study, reveals the appearance, weaponry, role and impact of these legendary soldiers during the five centuries that saw the Roman Empire reach its greatest geographical extent under Trajan and Hadrian, only to experience a long decline in the West in the face of sustained pressure from its 'barbarian' neighbours.

Featuring spectacular full-colour artwork, written by an authority on the army of the Caesars and informed by a wide range of sculptural, written and pictorial evidence from right across the Roman world, this book overturns established wisdom and sheds new light on Rome's most famous soldiers during the best-known era in its history.

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Lavishly illustrated and drawing upon the latest archaeological findings, a complete re-evaluation of the appearance, role, and influence of Rome's most famous soldiers – during the five centuries of the Roman Empire's greatest extent and influence.
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Introduction
Organization: centurions under the early Principate, in the army of the Julio-Claudian Caesars – the Flavian and Trajanic army – in the Marcomannic Wars – the 2nd and 3rd centuries – the period of military anarchy – the 4th century – the Eastern and Western Empires
Weapons, armour and clothing: offensive weapons, helmets, shields, body armour, rank symbols and insignia, and clothing
Service and discipline
Social status
Bibliography

Read more
Lavishly illustrated and drawing upon the latest archaeological findings, a complete re-evaluation of the appearance, role, and influence of Rome's most famous soldiers – during the five centuries of the Roman Empire's greatest extent and influence.
Read more

Product details

ISBN
9781849087957
Published
2012-02-20
Publisher
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight
191 gr
Height
246 mm
Width
182 mm
Thickness
6 mm
Age
G, P, 01, 06
Language
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Number of pages
48

Illustrated by

Biographical note

Dr Raffaele D'Amato is an experienced researcher of the ancient world and an external professor to the Athens University School of Philosophy and Material Culture. This is his second book for Osprey.

Entirely self-taught, Giuseppe Rava has established himself as a leading military history artist. He is inspired by the works of the great military artists, such as Detaille, Meissonier, Röchling, Lady Butler, Ottenfeld and Angus McBride.