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#77986 in Books Stephen Dando Collins 2012-07-03 2012-07-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.44 x 43.31 x 7.59l; 2.83 #File Name: 1250004713608 pagesLegions of Rome The Definitive History of Every Imperial Roman Legion
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Solid Work About A Solid InstitutionBy Lee SelkirkA great read for someone wishing to understand why the Roman Republic rose to power and why the Empire endured so long. The review of the makeup of a typical legion; covering the men; equipment; and tactics; and the provides one with a good basis from which to evaluate its ongoing effectiveness. The author also briefly covers the matching characteristics of the host of enemies Rome faced over the centuries. Together; this information provides the basis for understanding both the rise and subsequent decline of the legion.Each of the main units that formed the Roman military machine is described reasonably well considering the large number of such formations and the 2;000 year gap between their existence and today. It is clear to a person somewhat versed in Roman history that the author has scoured all available contemporary and valid historical resources when compiling this history. Enough illustrations are provided to give a visual record of the evolution of the appearance of a legionnaire but a specific chapter; with more pics; devoted to this topic would have been a nice addition to the text and greatly improved the book's overall impact.The battle record of the legions main actions is covered; sometimes in great detail for specific events. Again; Mr. Collins gives us everything extant from appropriate sources. Perhaps the main weakness of this work is the vague manner in which the changes in equipment and tactics of both Rome and its enemies led to the decline of the effectiveness of the legion as a fighting unit. Being a systems-oriented consultant; i would have liked to see a chronological; tabular presentation of these various factors. A picture is worth... !All in all... a very good read.. many enemies1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Well written and entertaining - a nice contribution to the topic of Roman military historyBy Lutolf Markus FranzVery much enjoyed reading this work. It approaches the subject matter from two directions; giving first a "biography" of each legion to the extent that it is known; and then relating a more traditional historical (necessarily abbreviated) narrative of Roman warfare through the centuries; but highlighting the roles played by specific legions in specific conflicts.There is of course discussion of the organization; routine and armament of the legions; with appropriate historical references to primary sources throughout the work. In some cases I found myself scratching my head as to numbers and events. For instance I find myself doubting that Jerusalem would have held a million people even during Passover in Vespasian's epoch; or that of the hundreds of thousands supposedly slain in the Second Jewish revolt But these details do not detract from what is a researched and enjoyable read.If I could wish I would have asked for more of the same: what about the legions in the conflicts in Theodosius' time; or the fifth century? The adaptation of armaments and tactics over the centuries; and ultimately the contribution of this negative evolution to the failing defense capability of the empire is also a fascinating subject. The author covers it in some detail in the times of Severus; Diocletian and Constantine; and I would have enjoyed even more detail; but perhaps this is such a large subject it would be worth a tome of its own.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good addition.By CustomerI am a Rome history aficionado. This book is like 20% basic facts about rome military then it gets into incidents/battles/stories about the legions. Quite detailed. It's a good addition to my collection of books; most of which contain facts and descriptions of the government; lifestyles; homes etc. This is good accounting. The only disappointment is that this only includes the story of imperial legions only. I would have liked the stories of the legions from the Republic... when each counsul was responsible for two each. (e.g. four existing at a time.)
