Legion: life in the Roman army

by Richard Abdy

The accompanying hardback catalogue to the British Museum exhibition Legion: life in the Roman army.

The Roman army has been immortalised in heroic art and screen epics, but what was life really like for an ordinary soldier? This book tells the story of everyday life in the army – including the experiences of women and enslaved people – through a range of rare objects and testimonies. These include letters from Apion and Terentianus, young Egyptian soldiers writing home to their families; the tombstone of 4-year-old Vacia, a touching reminder of the presence of children near forts; the remains of a soldier found at Herculaneum, killed in the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79; and a board game played by soldiers in their spare time.

Human experiences are set within the context of the first three centuries of the common era, widely recognised as the Roman army’s heyday. During this period, forces were split into legions of citizen-only troops and auxiliary units of non-citizen troops, with the latter offered a chance at citizenship and social advancement after around 25 years of service. As well as describing the social forces behind the army, this book addresses its violent reality for civilians and troops – battle tactics, weaponry, and the risk for convicted soldiers of becoming amphitheatre entertainment are all explored.

Travelling from the deserts of North Africa to the freezing climes of Scotland, and moving from the gruesome life of a medic to loving correspondence between friends, readers gain a vivid picture of life in the Roman army, with all the spectacular and ordinary experiences it involved.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Patti Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a catalogue of an exhibition that was presented at the British Museum several years ago. It was written by the curator of the exhibit and had excellent photographs and timelines for those of us who may not know the exact timelines of the Roman Empire.

I especially enjoyed learning about the soldiers of the various legions - their diet, correspondence, and the variety of locations that they served at. It is hard to fathom the large extent of the Empire at its peak and the cultures that were impacted by the Romans in so many ways.

[Eliisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hämmästyttävää kuinka paljon tutkijat ovat saaneet selville Rooman valtakunnan ajoista! Kirjan näkökulma on tavallisten legioonalaisten tasolla, mutta perusteellisuudessaan se on melko raskasta luettavaa. Upeat kuvat!

[Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book which reminded me of the great exhibition I've been to. Amazing pictures of the objects! 

[Rik Demeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Onmisbaar voor wie de prachtige expositie zag in het British Museum.

[gaverne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The British Museum exhibition that went with this. Rome teaches us so much today.