Roman Military Equipment from the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome: Second Edition

by M.C. Bishop, Jon Coulston

Rome's rise to empire is often said to have owed much to the efficiency and military skill of her armies and their technological superiority over barbarian enemies. But just how 'advanced' was Roman military equipment? What were its origins and how did it evolve? The authors of this book have gathered a wealth of evidence from all over the Roman Empire's excavated examples as well as pictorial and documentary sources to present a picture of what range of equipment would be available at any given time, what it would look like and how it would function. They examine how certain pieces were adopted from Rome's enemies and adapted to particular conditions of warfare prevailing in different parts of the Empire. They also investigate in detail the technology of military equipment and the means by which it was produced, and discuss wider questions such as the status of the soldier in Roman society. Both the specially prepared illustrations and the text have been completely revised for the second edition of this detailed and authoritative handbook, bringing it up to date with the very latest research. It illustrates each element in the equipment of the Roman soldier, from his helmet to his boots, his insignia, his tools and his weapons. This book will appeal to archaeologists, ancient and military historians as well as the generally informed and inquisitive reader.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Archaeology, Military Fiction, Roman, Historical

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

M. C. Bishop (Mike Bishop) is a freelance writer, publisher, and archaeologist who – among other things – walks, drives, cycles, flies, tweets, blogs, draws, and photographs Hadrian’s Wall. His particular specialities are Roman arms and armor and the Roman site at Corbridge in Northumberland, but he confesses to being at his happiest when working on articles or books (writing, illustrating, editing, copy-editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing!).

Reviews

[Krisley Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. C. Bishop entrega uma obra de caráter científico/acadêmico, voltado para leitores que estudam o assunto ou para aqueles que já possuem uma boa base de conhecimento sobre o período abordado e seus respectivos equipamentos militares.

Através de esculturas, monumentos funerários, moedas, literatura e diversos achados arqueológicos, o autor vai traçando um panorama geral dos equipamentos utilizados em cada período, discutindo as mudanças, evoluções e troca de cultura militar entre os romanos e outros povos.

Os dois últimos capítulos são dedicados à produção e tecnologia romana e sobre o estudo e interpretação de equipamentos militares.

O livro é ricamente ilustrado, contando com 154 figuras ao longo do texto (incluindo mapas), além de mais de 20 fotografias coloridas no final. Destaque também para a vasta bibliografia.

Ótima leitura, bem estruturada e com conteúdo riquíssimo.

[Gene Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3 stars because I can't give it 4 and 2 simultaneously. I absolutely love the depth of knowledge here and this must be an invaluable resource for the academic and the amateur enthusiast, like me, as well. For the general reader, I have to say stay away. To sit down and read it straight through like a regular book when you don't have to, that's a slog for the general reader. Me, I'm going to cherish this book. I look forward to pulling it out for reference many times in the future. The general reader probably won't.

[Adam Lofthouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely invaluable when writing about the Roman army. The book covers a vast period of time, giving the reader insight into the key differences between each century. Every fact in here is backed up with evidence, so as an author you feel comfortable taking the information at face value, and that enables you to write with confidence. My copy of this book is so tattered from such regular use, but as an author of Roman historical fiction it must be one of my most valued possessions!

[Carole-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not this particular book, but the original paperback printed in December 1989 by Shire Publications Ltd

[Andrew Volpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I have been meaning to get a copy of this for years (had been borrowing friend's copies, and other resources utilizing this book before)

This is an excellent reference for Roman military equipment study and reconstruction. This should be on every Roman reenactor's bookshelf.

Wonderfully illustrated as well.

[James Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best resources for Roman military equipment out today.

[Pedro Enguita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any historian, film maker or reenactment association.