Army of the Roman Emperors: Archaeology and History

Compared to modern standard, the Roman army of the imperial era was surprisingly small. However, when assessed in terms of their various tasks, they by far outstrip modern armies – acting not only as an armed power of the state in external and internal conflicts, but also carrying out functions which nowadays are performed by police, local government, customs and tax authorities, as well as constructing roads, ships, and buildings.With this opulent volume, Thomas Fischer presents a comprehensive and unique exploration of the Roman military of the imperial era. With over 600 illustrations, the costumes, weapons and equipment of the Roman army are explored in detail using archaeological finds dating from the late Republic to Late Antiquity, and from all over the Roman Empire. The buildings and fortifications associated with the Roman army are also discussed. By comparing conflicts, border security, weaponry and artefacts, the development of the army through time is traced.This work is intended for experts as well as to readers with a general interest in Roman history. It is also a treasure-trove for re-enactment groups, as it puts many common perceptions of the weaponry, equipment and dress of the Roman army to the test.Table of ContentsIntroductionPart I Iconographic sources on the Roman military by Dietrich Boschung1. Introduction2. Republican representations3. The Early Empire: Augustus to Domitian4. Representations from the middle imperial period5. Representations from the Tetrarchic period6. Representations from Late AntiquityPart II General Questions on the Roman military1. Introduction2. A history of research3. Armament and equipment4. Find contexts of Roman weapons and equipment parts5. Legionary or auxiliary equipment?6. Rank insignia7. On the reconstruction of Roman fighting methods8. Comments on the re-enactment scene9. ForgeriesPart III Costumes, weapons, and equipment of the army from original archaeological finds1. Infantry2. Cavalry3. Artillery4. Standards and instruments for signalling5. Awards and decorations6. Pioneer tools, tents, field packPart IV The buildings of the Roman army1. Introduction2. Roman camps and forts3 The most important types of camps and forts4. Late Roman fortifications5. Military infrastructure6 Limites and ripaePart V Development periods of Roman military history1. Introduction2. Republic3. The early Imperial period from Augustus to Nero 4. The middle Imperial period from Vespasian to Trajan5. The middle Imperial period from Hadrian to Septimius Severus6. The middle Imperial period from Caracalla to the reforms of Diocletian7. The Late Roman periodPart VI The Roman navy1. Arming and equipping the marines2. Key points in the Roman fleets in the Imperial period by Thomas Schmidts3. Roman Warships by Ronald BockiusEnd matterBibliographyIllustration creditsIndexPersonsPlacesSubjects Read more