The Roman Army

A Social and Institutional History

Pat Southern

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English

Oxford University Press
08 August 2007

History; European history; Ancient history: to c 500 CE; Social & cultural history; Military history; Land forces & warfare

Written by a leading authority on Roman military history, this fascinating volume spans over a thousand years as it offers a memorable picture of one of the world's most noted fighting forces, paying special attention to the life of the common soldier.

Southern here illuminates the Roman army's history, culture, and organization, providing fascinating details on topics such as military music, holidays, strategy, the construction of Roman fortresses and forts, the most common battle formations, and the many tools of war, from spears, bows and arrows, swords, and slingshots, to the large catapulta (which fired giant arrows and bolts) and the ballista (which hurled huge stones). Perhaps most interesting are the details Southern provides about everyday life in the Roman army, everything from the soldiers pay (they were paid three times per year, but money was deducted for such items as food, clothing, weapons, the burial club, the pension scheme, and so on) to their often brutal life--if whole units turned and ran, about one-tenth of the men concerned were chosen by lot and clubbed to death and the rest were put on barley rations instead of wheat. Moreover, soldiers who lost weapons or their shields would fight savagely to get them back or would die in the process, rather than suffer the shame that attached to throwing weapons away or running from the battle.

Attractively illustrated, this book offers a fascinating look at the life of the Roman soldier, drawing on everything from Rome's rich historical and archaeological record to soldier's personal correspondence to depictions of military subjects in literature and art.

By: Pat Southern
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 159mm, Width: 232mm, Spine: 29mm
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9780195328783
ISBN 10: 0195328787
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 08 August 2007
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Roman Army: A Social and Institutional History

Southern knows her readership well and provides an easily accessible introduction to the world of the Roman Army. David W. Madsen, Bryn Mawr Classical Review