ROMAN LEGIONARIES: Soldiers of Empire

Step back in time to experience the might of the Romans. This short history is an accessible and authoritative introduction to how Rome's legions were a force to be reckoned with as they conquered, subdued and ruled on behalf of the empire. The legionary was an elite soldier who, clad in a helmet and banded iron armour, carried a body shield, lead-weighted javelins and a vicious stabbing sword. This book looks at the Principate legionary of the 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD when the empire was at its peak. Chapters include a look at the Republic and empire, the legionary, the soldier on campaign and in battle, non-conflict roles, and a brief look at other Roman troops. Learn that soldiers marched 'on their stomachs', according to 4th century military author Vegetius who decreed they should never be without corn, wine, vinegar and salt. Discover that the fighting style of the legionary was predominantly martial, with drills using wooden replica swords and wicker shields to practice thrusting the weapon rather than slashing as it was a more difficult blow to anticipate. Illustrations and photographs celebrate the success of the Roman forces, from a cross-section diagram of siege lines at Alesia in 52 BC, to an artistic rendering of the legionary legate overseeing the deployment of Legio II Augusta and a photograph of Severan land walls of London near Tower Hill tube station which was built by Roman military. This is a bitesize rundown of every aspect of Roman legionaries and the empire's military success. Paperback, black and white images, 160pp.