Warrior 72: Imperial Roman Legionary AD 161-284

Osprey Warrior #72

by Ross Cowan, Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Between AD 161 and 244 the Roman legions were involved in wars and battles on a scale not seen since the late Republic. Legions were destroyed in battle, disbanded for mutiny and rebellion and formed to wage wars of conquest and defence. This volume explores the experience of the imperial legionary, concentrating on Legio II Parthica. Raised by the emperor Septimus Severus in AD 193/4, it was based at Albanum near Rome and as the emperor's personal legion, became one of the most important units in the empire.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, World History, Roman History, Roman

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2003

Reviews

[Douglas Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume has been super helpful in determining what the Roman army was like during the Crisis of the 3rd Century. Ross Cowan seems focused on this period across several books- this pivotal age when the Roman order broke down and saw not a single Roman Emperor die peacefully for almost 50 years. Cowan has caught on to new kinds of units, in particular the return of light, spear throwing skirmishers and combat trainers. Cowan also talks about newer equipment such as the ring pommel sword, light spears, the annular buckle, the slide scabbard and new helmet designs. As always, equipment from Rome's enemies seemed to rub off on the Roman army, particularly if that equipment was any good. Romans in the late 2nd and third century shared some looks with Parthians and Sarmatians. What really kicks this book out of the ordinary are the illustrations by the legendary Angus McBride, who even succeeds in making Marcus Aurelius look like a real brute- AVE!