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.
By:
Raffaele D'Amato
Illustrated by:
Giuseppe Rava
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 479
Dimensions:
Height: 248mm,
Width: 184mm,
Spine: 5mm
Weight: 167g
ISBN: 9781849087957
ISBN 10: 1849087954
Series: Men-at-Arms
Pages: 48
Publication Date: 20 May 2012
Audience:
General/trade
,
Professional and scholarly
,
ELT Advanced
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
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
Reviews for Roman Centurions 31 BC–AD 500: The Classical and Late Empire
. ..written by an authority on the era and offers a range of new approaches to the appearance and role of the early centurions. Any early military history collection needs this. <br>-- James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review (August 2012)
