Roman Empire at War: A Compendium of Battles from 31 B.C. to A.D. 565

Empire at War is a single-volume encyclopedia that provides concise descriptions of significant battles fought by the Roman Empire from Augustus to Justinian I, based on ancient, Late Antique, and Early Medieval texts. It offers a foundation of information for further scholarly interpretation and allows the original writers to speak for themselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Empire at War is a comprehensive one-volume encyclopedia that meticulously catalogs and provides concise descriptions of every significant battle fought by the Roman Empire from the reign of Augustus to the reign of Justinian I (and even many of the minor ones). To ensure accuracy, the information in each entry is solely drawn from ancient, late antique, and early medieval texts, relying on the earliest surviving sources that chronicle these events. This approach offers a concise foundation of knowledge upon which readers can confidently build later scholarly interpretations found in secondary sources, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the most likely battlefield scenarios.

The author of Empire at War has approached the task of writing battle descriptions with a primary focus on presenting the evidence contained in the surviving accounts without seeking to analyze or embellish them beyond what is necessary to provide clarity to the modern reader. Instead, he has chosen to let the original writers speak for themselves, offering a succinct version of what the ancient chroniclers tell us about these dramatic events. This approach allows readers to gain a direct and authentic perspective on the battles of the Roman Empire, without the influence of later interpretations or biases.

Empire at War serves as an excellent first-stop reference for anyone interested in delving into the many battles that shaped the history of the Roman Empire. Its comprehensive coverage, coupled with the meticulous research and analysis of the primary sources, makes it an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you are seeking to gain a deeper understanding of a specific battle or want to explore the broader context of Roman military history, Empire at War is an indispensable tool that will provide you with a wealth of information and insights.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 157 x 232 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399085205