The Roman Army At War
100BC – AD200

Book Review

Reviews by "Old Duffer"

Adrian Goldsworthy for Clarendon Paperbacks

Now this is an excellent book, recommended by Benedict Wilkins, a Man Wot Knows. It is a topic spookily close to its title. Little chatter about helmets, how far they stood apart or the other detritus of histories. In this book Goldsworthy tries to tell us how they went to war. Steady plodding armies marching across the land from safe camp to safe camp? Not according to Goldsworthy, he sees the Romans as reacting to each threat at the double. Mostly this meant that the opposition was overrun, or still forming when the Romans were on them. It could also mean that occasionally there were notable defeats.

The book opens with a discussion of cohorts and maniples, both in theory and practice. Compared to many of their opponents who had no response but to call out the full tribal levy the Roman cohort (at battalion size) was an effective tool for war and peace. The opposition is covered in some detail (Gauls, Germans and Parthians). One can see how often the first two failed to be able to respond either quickly or flexibly enough. The Parthians were somewhat different but far from invincible.

The Army then goes on campaign ranging from police actions to full invasions. The battle is considered both from the point-of-view of the General and the soldier. There are also useful sections on the styles of infantry and cavalry combat (very The Face of Battle) and on theatre in battle (speeches and auguries). An excellent clear book full of historical example and one I shall be reading again.

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