Spare No One: Mass Violence in Roman Warfare

Gabriel Baker's book "The Roman Way of War" offers a corrective to our understanding of ancient warfare and the long history of total war and terror, highlighting the strategic use of total war by the Romans to achieve long-term military objectives and pacify conquered territories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Here is the rephrased text:

Gabriel Baker offers a significant corrective to our understanding of ancient warfare and our perspective on the long history of total war and terror, exemplified by ISIS. He sheds new light on Roman warfare and the strategic deployment of total war to achieve long-term military goals and the pacification of conquered territories.

Baker challenges the conventional view that ancient warfare was characterized by limited objectives and short-term campaigns. Instead, he argues that the Romans employed a comprehensive strategy of total war, aiming to subjugate entire populations and establish long-term dominance over their territories. This approach involved a combination of military force, political manipulation, and economic coercion, as the Romans sought to undermine the social and economic structures of their enemies.

One of the key aspects of Baker's analysis is his recognition of the political dimension of Roman warfare. He argues that the Romans understood that victory in battle was not sufficient to ensure long-term stability and dominance. Instead, they sought to integrate conquered territories into their own political system and culture, promoting assimilation and loyalty among the local population. This involved the establishment of Roman institutions, the spread of Roman law, and the promotion of Roman values and beliefs.

Baker also highlights the psychological impact of total war on both the soldiers and the civilian population. He argues that the prolonged and brutal nature of warfare led to a sense of trauma and disillusionment among the soldiers, as they witnessed the destruction and suffering of their fellow citizens. This, in turn, contributed to the breakdown of social order and the emergence of resistance movements within conquered territories.

Furthermore, Baker examines the long-term consequences of Roman warfare on the development of European civilization. He argues that the Roman Empire's expansion and conquest facilitated the spread of Roman culture, technology, and law across Europe. This, in turn, laid the foundation for the development of modern Western society and the institutions that we take for granted today.

In conclusion, Gabriel Baker's book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of ancient warfare and the long history of total war and terror. By challenging the conventional view of Roman warfare and highlighting the political, psychological, and cultural dimensions of total war, Baker offers a fresh perspective on the complex and multifaceted nature of this historical phenomenon. His work is essential reading for anyone interested in military history, ancient history, or the study of contemporary terrorism and counterterrorism.

Weight: 621g
Dimension: 230 x 161 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538112205