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    Roman Legionary AD 69–161
    Unavailable
    Roman Legionary AD 69–161
    Unavailable
    Roman Legionary AD 69–161
    Ebook155 pages1 hour

    Roman Legionary AD 69–161

    By Ross Cowan and Seán Ó’Brógáin

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    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Between AD 69 and 161 the composition of the Roman legions was transformed. Italians were almost entirely replaced by provincial recruits, men for whom Latin was at best a second language, and yet the 'Roman-ness' of these Germans, Pannonians, Spaniards, Africans and Syrians, fostered in isolated fortresses on the frontiers, was incredibly strong. They were highly competitive, jealous of their honour, and driven by the need to maintain and enhance their reputations for virtus, that is manly courage and excellence. The warfare of the period, from the huge legion versus legion confrontations in the Civil War of AD 69, through the campaigns of conquest in Germany, Dacia and Britain, to the defence of the frontiers of Africa and Cappadocia and the savage quelling of internal revolts, gave ample opportunity for virtus-enhancing activity. The classic battle formation that had baffled Pyrrhus and conquered Hannibal was revived. Heroic centurions continued to lead from the front, and common legionaries vied with them in displays of valour. The legions of the era may have been provincial but they were definitely Roman in organisation and ethos.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBloomsbury Publishing
    Release dateApr 20, 2013
    ISBN9781472802842
    Unavailable
    Roman Legionary AD 69–161
    Author

    Ross Cowan

    Dr Ross H. Cowan studied Classics at the University of Glasgow, where he also wrote his doctoral thesis about elite units of the Roman Imperial Army, the Praetorian Guard and Second Parthian Legion. He is the author of works on the Imperial legions and has written many articles on all aspects of the Roman Army, as well as making occasional forays into Scottish military history. He lives and works near Glasgow.

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    • 4/5
      Very nice introduction to the changes made to the Roman legions during this time period from before. Lavishly illustrated as is to be expected from Osprey and very readable. As said earlier it is an introduction, those wishing to learn more will want to seek out more books on the subject matter.