Late Roman Army (Hardcover)

This guide to the declining centuries of the Roman military is handy for scholars but sometimes rough going for the general reader. Southern and Dixon (both scholars at the Univ. of Newcastle upon Tyne) show an impressive command of the texts and artifacts documenting the transformation of the Roman army from the late second to the early sixth centuries. The authors synthesize past findings, summarize debates, and contribute their own opinions in a manner useful to serious students of the period. However, the book almost seems designed to ward off casual visitors. Chapter One deals with sources - an undramatic way to begin. The next two chapters cover loosely connected topics: predecessors of the military reformers Diocletian and Constantine; changing frontier troop levels; the establishment of a central field reserve; the increasing number of barbarians drawn into the army. Missing are a coherent overview of the period and sufficient historical context to orient the lay reader; timelines and a glossary help but are not enough. The book's remaining chapters are more accessible, even fun. Under such headings as "Equipment" and "Fortifications," they offer concrete specifics and eye-catching illustrations on such matters as helmets, scabbards, rations, and the practice of cutting off one's own fingers to avoid the draft. Technical details are provided for specialists, while the armchair Romanist can enjoy learning just how fire darts and battering rams work. A chapter on the decline in army morale makes connections to 20th-century war; a short conclusion captures some of the pathos inherent in Gibbon's old subject matter. The generally dry style exhibits flashes of wit, as in this wry comment regarding ancient bureaucratic correspondences: "How the Romans would have loved telephones." (Kirkus Reviews)

This study examines how - and how effectively - the Roman army adapted itself to meet the growing threats to the later Empire's survival: attacks on the frontier, internal unrest, revolts, upsurpations and civil wars. Examining the development and the morale of the Roman army following the reforms of Dio and Constantine, the book focuses particularly on the creation of the field and frontier armies as well as exploring the role of the army in the post-Constantinian period. Individual chapters are devoted to recruitment, conditions of service, equipment, fortifications and siege warfare.

General

Imprint:	Batsford
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	April 1996
First published:	1996
Authors:	Karen R. Dixon • Pat Southern
Dimensions:	234 x 156mm (L x W)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	240
ISBN-13:	978-0-7134-7047-5
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Literature: history & criticism > Literary studies > 19th century Books > Language & Literature > Literature: history & criticism > Novels, other prose & writers > General
LSN:	0-7134-7047-X
Barcode:	9780713470475

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