MICHELE SIMMONS

The year AD 122 was the first time a Roman Emperor had set foot in the Province of Britannia since the invasion in AD 43. No doubt he had read many reports concerning the damage caused by marauding tribesmen crossing from what is now Scotland into the Province. Hadrian, therefore, decided - in the words of his biographer - 'to build a wall to separate the Romans from the Barbarians'. This engaging work from author Michael Simkins explores in depth the organisation, equipment, weapons and armour of the Roman Army from Hadrian to Constantine, one of the most exciting periods in Roman history.

This book combines Men-at-Arms 283: 'Early Roman Armies', Men-at-Arms 291: 'Republican Roman Army 200-104 BC' and Men-at-Arms 46 'The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan'. Tradition has it that Rome was founded in 753BC by Romulus and Remus, sons of the god Mars. From these humble beginnings grew a political and military culture that enabled Rome to expand territorially and secure her ever-stretching borders. By colonisation, conquest and alliance, through monarchy, republic, civil war and Imperial dynasty, Rome held dominion over a huge swathe of territory and peoples by the 1st century AD, covering Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Yet the delivery, maintenance and administration of such power and riches were founded upon one thing alone - the military might of her army. This book investigates the development and growth of the Roman fighting machine, both infantry and cavalry. From the necessities of consolidation and defence, through to the naked ambition of conquest and domination, the weapons, armour, equipment and dress that the Roman soldier used are finely detailed: close attention is also paid to tactics, training, and organisation.

Although the common Roman fighting men themselves have left no account, much literature has survived from antiquity. The wealth of archaeological finds, plus the study of surviving Roman scultpure has allowed hisorians to learn much about the nature of the Roman army which conquered an astonishing expanse of territory. Michael Simkins brings all his substantial knowledge to bear on this fascinating subject, covering such topics as army composition, recruitment, training, campaign routine and providing a wealth of detail on weapons, uniforms and equipment. Men-at-Arms 283, 291 and 46 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'Caesar's Legions'.