Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Timeline 753BC to AD285 10

CHAPTER 1 The Roman World 18
From kings to caesars 20
The rise of the Republic 22
Mastering the Mediterranean, and beyond 24
The pre-eminence of Empire 26
Politics and pestilence 28

CHAPTER 2 The Roman Army 32
The class system 34
The army of the Punic Wars 38
Marius and the last years of the Republic 40
The army of the Principate 42
The legions 44
The Praetorian Guard 48

CHAPTER 3 Life as a Roman Soldier 54
Recruitment 56
Induction 58
Posting 60
Fortresses and fixed camps 62
Daily routine 66
Bathhouse 68
Money 72
Women 74
Leisure and leave 76
Religion and gods 78
Medicine 79
Punishment 80
Roman military ranks 81
Slaves and servants 82
Honours 84
Dismissal 85
Retirement and pensions 86
CHAPTER 4 Uniforms, Kit and Insignia 88
Getting kitted out 90
Fabric garments 92
Leatherware 93
Marius’ mules  94
Defining dress features 96

CHAPTER 5 Arms and Armour 98
Armour 100
Horse armour and cavalry weapons 102
Shields 104
Helmets 106
Swords 108
Dagger 110
Spears, javelins and darts 112
Bows and arrows, slings and other weapons  114
Roman metalwork 116
The weapons of the auxilia 118

CHAPTER 6
Roman Legionary on Campaign 120
The politics of campaigning 122
Campaign logistics 124
Military rations 126
The supply train 128
Roads 130
Bridges 132
Marching camps 134
Movement to battle 136
Common battlefield strategy and tactics 138
The phalanx 140 The maniple 141
The cohort 142
The comitatus 143
The testudo 144
Logistics of siege warfare 145
Battlefield intelligence 146
Communications 147
After the battle 148

SOURCES 146
Bibliography 148
Glossary and abbreviations 150
Acknowledgements 153
Index 154

About the Author

Simon Forty has been involved in publishing for over three decades and specializes in military history. He has written, edited and produced many books, most recently Hadrian's Wall, and 100 Innovations of the Industrial Revolution, for Haynes.