Customer Reviews

IMPERIUM LEGIONIS: A Detailed Study of the Roman Army During the Empire (Modelling Manuals)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Toledo's participation in reenactments of Roman battles with replicas of classical Roman military uniforms, weapons, and maneuvers familiarized him with all aspects of the legions which carried Roman civilization throughout Europe and parts of North Africa and the Middle East. But he does not stop at the colorful, captivating Roman military regalia. Military ranks from ordinary legionnaires through standard bearers and centurions on to cavalry and generals and the roles of each are covered, as well as the military pay scale, battle tactics, parts and purposes of body armor, and daily life including garrison duty in conquered lands. Photographs of reenactors like Toledo (similar to American Civil War buffs putting on Northern and Confederate uniforms to replay Civil War battles) and realistic color illustrations complement the author's descriptions and discussions. In a column on many pages is a journal of a fictitious legionnaire recording his impressions, thoughts, and experiences in relation to the subjects being treated in the regular text. This is an engaging illustrated, popular, yet comprehensive and authoritative treatment of the always fascinating Roman armies which were for centuries unrivaled in the ancient world.

Imperium Legionis: A Detailed Study Of The Roman Army During The Empire by historian and author Jose Sanchez Toledo is a remarkably illustrated survey of the makeup, duties, and armaments of the Imperial Legions that established, expanded, and defended the great Roman Empire. A thorough and in-depth historical survey of Rome and the methods and details of its army, Imperium Legionis covers every element of a soldiers outfit from the sandals worn, to the variations of helmets, body armor, weaponry, and the many different types of soldiers such as legionary, cavalry, centurion, optio, aquilifer, and more. A welcome and popular addition to any personal, academic, or community library collection, Imperium Legionis is very highly recommended reading, especially for students of the history and accomplishments of ancient Rome.

This book has full color illustrations throughout- of period art, photographs of reenactors, drawings showing how the armor and kit was layered on the soldier, and high quality illustrations. While I did find the layout a bit too busy for my taste, there is a lot of good information in here.

The publishers specialize in modeling books so it's slanted to the more tangible aspects of the Roman Army. One of the authors is along time Roman reenactor to it has that added view on the topic.

Certainly at the discounted Amazon price it's a must have for anyone interested in the Early Imperial Roman army- whether for painting figures, modeling, wargaming, or reenacting.