The Roman Imperial Army: Of the First and Second Centuries A.D. (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Rome began in the eighth century B.C as a group of small Iron Age peasant communities of differing origins and some of their huts and..." (more)
Key Phrases: auxiliary forts, military diplomas, legionary fortress, Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain, Trajan's Column (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 343 pages
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press; 3 Sub edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806130008
• ISBN-13: 978-0806130002
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #362,919 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not light reading, June 14, 2000

By	Jeff Cordell (Caldwell,Id) - See all my reviews

Graham Webster's book is considered to be one of those definitive works on the Roman Army. It is most definitely that, but as previously noted it isn't for the beginner and/or the casual reader. Professor Webster writes the book with the eye of an archeologist. The chapters are very specific and dedicated to such topics as the soldiers clothes, armor, weapons, religious practices, the layout of their camps and forts, their daily rituals, tactics, organization in the field and in garrison. There are other chapters as well but this gives you a clear idea of what the book is about. It isn't an historical account of battles, campaigns, and politics. No this is a book about the institution itself. For those who are truly intruiged by Rome then this is the book for you. I've read it several times over the past five years and I never grow tired of it. For a nice companion book which covers the campaigns and politics read Hugh Elton or Lawrence Keppie.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent piece of research, May 7, 1999

By A Customer

This book is probably one of the defenitive works on the Roman legions in the English language today. This is not hyperbole. Some would find this work to be dry, but it isn't intended for popular entertainment. Through all the editions it has remained a meticulously researched piece about that most famous, or infamous, of Roman institutions-the Legion. If one is looking for a light read, the equivlant of the college survey class, then don't read this book. But if one has a genuine interest in all things Roman and reading about helmets, sandals, and other assorted minutae then this is for you. Personally I think this book is excellent and I've felt this way for the past twenty years.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very detailed account of the Roman Army, April 11, 2004

By	Tuvan Uner (Virginia,United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Since I was interetsed in ancient military and Roman history I picked up this title. Not a good place to begin if you are new to Roman history due to the highly detailed mannner of this book's layout. I strongly recommend that before tackling this book you start out with the idiots guide to the Roman Empire. That way you'll at least have some background. Well about this book:gives a detailed account of how the Roman army performed their daily rituals, camp formations, battle tactics, etc. But overall well worth the Amazon.com price and well worth your time.