Gladius: Living, Fighting and Dying in the Roman Army

The Roman army was the greatest fighting machine the ancient world produced, and the Roman Empire depended on soldiers to win its wars, defend its frontiers, and control the seas. "Gladius" provides a window into the lives of Roman soldiers, from their daily lives to their experiences in battle.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The Roman army, a formidable force in ancient history, stands as the epitome of military excellence. The Roman Empire relied not only on its soldiers for victory in battles, the protection of its borders, and mastery over the seas but also as the driving force behind its governance. Legionaries and auxiliaries, hailing from diverse corners of the Roman world and beyond, served a multitude of roles. They acted as tax collectors, police officers, surveyors, civil engineers, and, if fortunate, as respected civic figures, craftsmen, and politicians in their retirement. Some even ascended to the throne as emperors.

"Gladius" delves into the very essence of being a Roman soldier by presenting the perspectives of Roman historians and the men themselves through various sources, including religious dedications, tombstones, private letters, and even graffiti. Author Guy de la Bédoyère offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of these soldiers, encompassing their experiences from bleak frontier garrisons to guarding the emperor in Rome, witnessing historic battles, engaging in pay disputes, participating in triumphant marches, asserting their authority in city streets, and enjoying the esteem they earned in their honorable retirement.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349143910