Roman Military Equipment: From the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome

by M.C. Bishop and Jon Coulston

Book Overview

This book brings together evidence from all over the Roman Empire to examine the development of Roman military equipment. Rome's rise to Empire is often stated to have owed much to the efficiency and military skill of her armies and their technological superiority over barbarian enemies. However, just how advanced was Roman military equipment that would have been available, what would it have looked like and how would it have functioned? - these are...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0713466375
• ISBN13: 9780713466379
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Resource For Roman Military

I've purchased a dozen military novels and resource manuals on both the ancient Roman and Greek militaries and I have to say that this book has been the best one in my library. If you're a historian buff, school student, reenactor, or just out to learn more about the Roman's armor, weapons, shields, etc... this is THE book for you. The layout starts by discussing the different evidence found and then jumps into the various periods of the Roman civilization. You get to see the advancement of the weapons, armor, structure as it morphed over centuries. Each point added is backed up by actual evidence found in digs throughout Europe and the Middle East. You get to see the items as they were when they were taken out of the ground in all their glory and learn all the necessary characteristics about them. I can't begin to explain how great of a reference this is. I had never read the original printing (my copy is the re-print) but it came highly recommended to me as I want to get into Roman reenacting. If asked by anyone else, this would be the book that should be at the top of anyones list. While I think each individual section could have been longer with more examples... I still think it's one of the best out there. Don't let the pricetag push you away from purchasing it. It should be on the shelf of anyone interested in the Roman civilization.

THE Book to have

I am a Roman era re-enactor and I absolutely loved this book! Not only did in inform me with details I didn't know, but also informed me with what was wrong with my impression. This is a must have for any Roman era enthusiast!!

My Brother Liked It

My brother is a big history and punic wars buff, and he really enjoyed it. From what I looked at the illustrations were amazing and the book seemed well written.

THE definitive work on Roman military equipment

I have both the first and the current editions of this utterly invaluable book. It is undoubtedly the best and most detailed discussion of Roman military equipment available and it is a "must read" for anyone interested in the subject, be he or she an historian, re-enactor, artist or whatever. I would give this book six stars, but there are only five available.