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
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