Rome's rise to empire is often said to have owed much to the efficiency and military skill of her armies and their technological superiority over barbarian enemies. But just how 'advanced' was Roman military equipment? What were its origins and how did it evolve? The authors of this book have gathered a wealth of evidence from all over the Roman Empire - excavated examples as well as pictorial and documentary sources - to present a picture of what range of equipment would be available at a...

An extensive guide to the legionary fortresses of the Roman Empire, including locations, history, layout, and more.This is a reference guide to Roman legionary fortresses throughout the former Roman Empire, of which approximately eighty-five have been located and identified. With the expansion of the empire and the garrisoning of its army in frontier regions during the 1st century AD, Rome began to concentrate its legions in large permanent bases. Some have been tho...

A concise history of ancient Roman gladiators—how they lived, fought, and died in the Colosseum—by the archeologist, author, and Roman military expert.Heroic despite their lowly status, the gladiators of ancient Rome fought vicious duels in large arenas filled with baying crowds. Few lasted more than a dozen fights, yet they were a valuable asset to their owners. Gladiators reveals the fascinating history of these men, how they fought, and how their weapon...

This book provides a friendly and accessible introduction to Hadrian's Wall in the form of 100 questions and their answers. Designed to appeal to all who have heard of (but do not necessarily know much about) this important monument, the themes covered include Building the Wall, Using the Wall, After the Wall, Visiting the Wall, and Understanding the Wall. It includes a select bibliography. Written by an archaeologist who has walked, driven, cycled, flown, illustrated, photographed and eve...

There have been many books on Britain's Roman roads, but none have considered in any depth their long-term strategic impact. Mike Bishop shows how the road network was vital not only in the Roman strategy of conquest and occupation, but influenced the course of British military history during subsequent ages. The author starts with the pre-Roman origins of the network (many Roman roads being built over prehistoric routes) before describing how the Roman army built, developed, maintained an...

"The first biography of Marcus Aurelius' adopted brother and co-emperor . . . a valuable read for anyone with an interest in Roman history."— The NYMAS ReviewLucius Verus is one of the least regarded Roman emperors, despite the fact that he was co-ruler with his adoptive brother Marcus Aurelius for nine years until his untimely death. The later sources were strangely hostile to him and modern writers tend to dismiss him, but contemporary writings shine a m...

This is an informative (yet informal) description of the route of Hadrian's Wall and all the remains that can still be seen. For most of the route from west to east, it follows the Hadrian's Wall National Trail Footpath, but with an important difference: where the path veers off the line of the Wall, this account stays with it and allows you to examine the remains most other walkers do not see (and most other guidebooks do not describe). Profusely illustrated with more than 100 photographs...

Drafted into the Roman army and forced to campaign in northern Britain against their will, German warriors of the Usipi tribe are driven to mutiny. With an island full of angry Romans to the south of them and hostile Britons all around, they capture three warships and embark upon a daring voyage to their homeland and freedom. Their path is not easy, for they must confront their own inexperience, dissension in their ranks, the forces of nature, hostile action from both the Britons and Roman...

The idea for a milecastle haiku (just one, initially) came in 2011, whilst walking the Wall from west to east with a group. Now all 81 (possible) milecastles are covered. They will do you no harm, cost you nothing, and exist only to be read or heard.

This is an informative (yet informal) description of the route of Hadrian's Wall and all the remains that can still be seen. For most of the route from east to west, it follows the Hadrian's Wall National Trail Footpath, but with an important difference: where the path veers off the line of the Wall, this account stays with it and allows you to examine the remains most other walkers do not see (and most other guidebooks do not describe). Profusely illustrated with more than 100 photographs...

Fully illustrated, this book investigates the articulated plate armour worn by Roman legionaries.First named by Renaissance historians studying the reliefs on Trajan's Column, lorica segmentata evaded successful attempts to reconstruct it until a series of importantarchaeological finds in the 20th century revealed how it worked and the truth of its extended chronology. The earliest findsdate from the late 1st century BC, and its discovery at Kalkriese in G...

Renowned authority M. C. Bishop investigates the origins, development, manufacture, decoration and use of the Roman cavalry helmet.Roman cavalry helmets of the Republican period at first differed little from the infantry helmets and identifying them proves a challenging but not impossible task. In this study, M.C. Bishop reveals how changes to the Roman Army under the Principate at the end of the 1st century BC, not least the incorporation of auxiliary forces, brou...