Army of the Roman Emperors

by Thomas Fischer, M.C. Bishop (Translator)

Compared to modern standard, the Roman army of the imperial era was surprisingly small. However, when assessed in terms of their various tasks, they by far outstrip modern armies – acting not only as an armed power of the state in external and internal conflicts, but also carrying out functions which nowadays are performed by police, local government, customs and tax authorities, as well as constructing roads, ships, and buildings.



With this opulent volume, Thomas Fischer presents a comprehensive and unique exploration of the Roman military of the imperial era. With over 600 illustrations, the costumes, weapons and equipment of the Roman army are explored in detail using archaeological finds dating from the late Republic to Late Antiquity, and from all over the Roman Empire. The buildings and fortifications associated with the Roman army are also discussed. By comparing conflicts, border security, weaponry and artefacts, the development of the army through time is traced.



This work is intended for experts as well as to readers with a general interest in Roman history. It is also a treasure-trove for re-enactment groups, as it puts many common perceptions of the weaponry, equipment and dress of the Roman army to the test.

Genres: History

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2019

About the author

Thomas Fischer ist ein deutscher Provinzialrömischer Archäologe.

Fischer studierte von 1972 bis 1978 Provinzialrömische Archäologie, Vor- und Frühgeschichte, Alte Geschichte, Mittelalterliche Geschichte und Klassische Archäologie in Regensburg, Tübingen und München, wo er 1978 promoviert wurde. Er ist korrespondierendes Mitglied des Deutschen und des Österreichischen Archäologischen Instituts.

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Thomas Fischer is a German provincial Roman archaeologist.

Fischer studied Provincial Roman Archaeology, Prehistory and Early History, Ancient History, Medieval History and Classical Archaeology in Regensburg, Tübingen and Munich from 1972 to 1978, where he received his doctorate in 1978. He is a corresponding member of the German and Austrian Archaeological Institutes.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comprehensive work is divided into six parts.

Part I, written by Dietrich Boschung, examines "Iconographic sources for the Roman military" from the Republican period through Late Antiquity. I found its in-depth descriptions of some famous Roman imagery very revealing. Furthermore, some of the astonishing pieces I had not seen before either. One such piece was the Gemma Augusta, a low-relief cameo cut from Arabian onyx attributed to Dioscurides or one of his disciples created in the second or third decade of the 1st century CE. It is currently housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. The text explains the significance of each major figure on the piece, something you rarely get with a museum identification card, and speculates on the purpose for which the piece was created. It peaked my interest so much that I researched the cameo further and discovered there are also alternative explanations for some of the figures, particularly those in the lower register where captives are shown awaiting the erection of a tropaion. It was interesting to read how various art historians use slight clues from hairstyles and attire in combination with a knowledge of political and military history of the period to determine who is actually represented and for what purpose.

Part II explores the changes that occurred over time in the armament and equipment of the Roman army, a result of the development of more advanced weapons and fluctuations in the procurement of raw materials. It also discusses archaeological finds made in different contexts such as battlefield and siege finds, objects recovered from camps, forts and other military sites, those found in civilian settlements, and artifacts recovered from water deposits, hoards, and grave sites.

Part III examines all of the costumes, weapons, and equipment from original archaeological finds. This was my favorite section since I am a visually-oriented person and it was full of photographs, drawings, and reconstructions of objects actually recovered from the field. I was particularly impressed with the condition of some of the artifacts, especially ornate pugio scabbards and cavalry helmets, many of them, I noticed, in private collections. I was also surprised by the variety of different helmet designs and the degree of ornamentation on some accessories like a privately-owned collection of cheek pieces. I really appreciated the drawings showing the placement of some items of a legionary's kit and those used with horses, too.

Part IV explored the details of Roman army constructions and architecture from marching camps to vexillation fortresses and how defensive structures changed through the centuries. There is even a discussion of the various military structures in Rome itself from the Castra Praetoria to the accomodation for the vigiles.

Part V wraps up the army portion with a chronological look at military conflicts and the armament and equipment used in each historical period begining with the Republic.

Then Part VI discusses the development of the Roman navy from the arming and equipping of the marines to locations of naval installations including those along major rivers and tributaries. A wealth of illustrations, informed by not only iconographic sources but the recovery of actual vessels, depict various vessels and harbor installations.

I think this book would be an invaluable reference work for not only Roman history enthusiasts and re-enactors but aspiring novelists as well. Its extensive bibliography serves as a stepping stone to more research sources and it offers a thorough index as well.

[Michael D'Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good starting place for learning about the Roman military. But very much in the style of a reference book of archaeology.