Armies of the Late Roman Empire AD 284 to 476: History, Organization and Uniforms

The Late Roman Army guide challenges stereotypes and misconceptions, describing the organization, structure, equipment, weapons, combat history, and tactics of Late Roman military forces. It also discusses the origins and causes for the final military fall of the Empire and the influence of barbarian peoples.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 178 pages
\n Publication date: 12 December 2018
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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The Late Roman Army, a pivotal and transformative era in Roman history, spans from the reign of Diocletian to the ultimate collapse of the Western Roman Empire. During this turbulent period, the Roman state and its armed forces underwent significant transformations. In his book, Gabriele Esposito sets out to challenge prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions about the Late Roman Army. He argues that the Roman military machine remained a reliable and efficient force until the very last decades of the Western Empire.

The author delves into the organization, structure, equipment, weapons, combat history, and tactics of Late Roman military forces. The book provides detailed coverage of various troop types, including the comitatenses (field armies), limitanei (frontier units), foederati (allied soldiers), bucellarii (mercenaries), scholae palatinae (mounted bodyguards), protectores (personal guards), and many others. Numerous color illustrations, including shield devices from the Notitia Dignitatum, enrich the visual narrative.

Esposito also explores the origins and causes for the final military fall of the Empire, examining the influence of the barbarian peoples on the Roman Army. He sheds light on the strategies employed by the Romans to confront their adversaries and the challenges they faced in maintaining stability and security within their vast territories.

This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into the Late Roman Army, providing a deeper understanding of its role in shaping the history of the Roman Empire. It challenges preconceived notions and sheds light on the complex dynamics that contributed to the military decline and eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire. Whether you are interested in military history, ancient civilizations, or the broader context of Roman history, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore this fascinating period in detail.

\n Weight: 770g\n
Dimension: 250 x 175 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526730374\n \n