Roman Soldier Operations Manual: Daily Life • Fighting Tactics • Weapons • Equipment • Kit

A fascinating examination of every aspect of the Roman soldier, at the height of Rome’s imperial might, this highly illustrated manual gets to grips with what we know about the men of the legions. Every detail of a legionary’s life is shown, from what they wore and carried and how ranks were signified to where they slept at night and ate round the camp fire. • Includes fascinating detail on kit, equipment, weapons and insignia • Examines how their unique tactics helped the legions win over and over again • Covers infantry, cavalry and engineers, as well as officers and the chain of command • Details battlefield tactics and fighting strategies, war machines and fighting formations

Table of Contents:
Introduction 6 Timeline 753BC to AD285 10 CHAPTER 1 The Roman World 18 From kings to caesars 20 The rise of the Republic 22 Mastering the Mediterranean, and beyond 24 The pre-eminence of Empire 26 Politics and pestilence 28 CHAPTER 2 The Roman Army 32 The class system 34 The army of the Punic Wars 38 Marius and the last years of the Republic 40 The army of the Principate 42 The legions 44 The Praetorian Guard 48 CHAPTER 3 Life as a Roman Soldier 54 Recruitment 56 Induction 58 Posting 60 Fortresses and fixed camps 62 Daily routine 66 Bathhouse 68 Money 72 Women 74 Leisure and leave 76 Religion and gods 78 Medicine 79 Punishment 80 Roman military ranks 81 Slaves and servants 82 Honours 84 Dismissal 85 Retirement and pensions 86 CHAPTER 4 Uniforms, Kit and Insignia 88 Getting kitted out 90 Fabric garments 92 Leatherware 93 Marius’ mules  94 Defining dress features 96 CHAPTER 5 Arms and Armour 98 Armour 100 Horse armour and cavalry weapons 102 Shields 104 Helmets 106 Swords 108 Dagger 110 Spears, javelins and darts 112 Bows and arrows, slings and other weapons  114 Roman metalwork 116 The weapons of the auxilia 118 CHAPTER 6 Roman Legionary on Campaign 120 The politics of campaigning 122 Campaign logistics 124 Military rations 126 The supply train 128 Roads 130 Bridges 132 Marching camps 134 Movement to battle 136 Common battlefield strategy and tactics 138 The phalanx 140 The maniple 141 The cohort 142 The comitatus 143 The testudo 144 Logistics of siege warfare 145 Battlefield intelligence 146 Communications 147 After the battle 148 SOURCES 146 Bibliography 148 Glossary and abbreviations 150 Acknowledgements 153 Index 154

About the Author :
Simon Forty has been involved in publishing for over three decades and specializes in military history. He has written, edited and produced many books, most recently Hadrian's Wall, and 100 Innovations of the Industrial Revolution, for Haynes.