Roman Special Forces and Special Ops: Speculatores, Exploratores, Protectores and Areani in the Service of Rome

The Roman army employed specialized units such as the Speculatores, Exploratores, Protectores, and Areani for covert operations, tactical scouting, strategic reconnaissance, espionage, assassinations, counter-insurgency, and close protection of officials and commanders. This book is the only one dedicated to these forces and their role in the Roman Empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Roman army and its formidable legions have been extensively documented, capturing their conquests and centuries-long defense against adversaries. However, there has been limited exploration into the diverse range of men and units employed when more subtle tactics were required. This book stands as the sole dedicated resource to Roman special operations and the role of the Speculatores, Exploratores, Protectores, and Areani. Author Simon Elliott delves into the various types of special operations conducted by the Romans, including tactical scouting, covert strategic reconnaissance, espionage, assassinations, abductions, counter-insurgency, and close protection of Roman officials and commanders. While these missions were often carried out by ad-hoc units or individuals assigned for specific tasks, Elliott also uncovers evidence suggesting the existence of specialized units dedicated to these endeavors. In conclusion, he analyzes the extent to which these diverse forces align with modern conceptions of Special Forces, highlighting their crucial role as the eyes and ears of the Empire and the formidable weapon at the tip of the Roman sword.

The Roman army and its formidable legions have been extensively documented, capturing their conquests and centuries-long defense against adversaries. However, there has been limited exploration into the diverse range of men and units employed when more subtle tactics were required. This book stands as the sole dedicated resource to Roman special operations and the role of the Speculatores, Exploratores, Protectores, and Areani. Author Simon Elliott delves into the various types of special operations conducted by the Romans, including tactical scouting, covert strategic reconnaissance, espionage, assassinations, abductions, counter-insurgency, and close protection of Roman officials and commanders. While these missions were often carried out by ad-hoc units or individuals assigned for specific tasks, Elliott also uncovers evidence suggesting the existence of specialized units dedicated to these endeavors. In conclusion, he analyzes the extent to which these diverse forces align with modern conceptions of Special Forces, highlighting their crucial role as the eyes and ears of the Empire and the formidable weapon at the tip of the Roman sword.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399090926