Roman Legionary AD 284-337: The age of Diocletian and Constantine the Great

by Ross Cowan, Seán Ó'Brógáin (Illustrator)

Overview

Diocletian and Constantine were the greatest of the Late Roman emperors, and their era marks the climax of the legionary system. Under Constantine's successors the legions were reduced in size and increasingly sidelined in favour of new units of elite auxilia, but between AD 284 and 337 the legions reigned supreme. The legionaries defeated all-comers and spearheaded a stunning Roman revival that humbled the Persian Empire and reduced the mighty Goths and Sarmatians to the status of vassals. This title details the equipment, background, training and combat experience of the men from all parts of the empire who made up the backbone of Rome's legions in this pivotal period.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472806666
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	04/21/2015
Series:	Warrior , #175
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Ross Cowan went to the University of Glasgow with the intention of studying Medieval history but was waylaid by Classics, and eventually emerged with a Ph.D. for research on the Praetorian Guard and Second Parthian Legion. Now a freelance writer and historian, Dr Cowan has published five books and numerous articles on all aspects of warfare in the Roman World. The author lives in Glasgow, Scotland.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Chronology 4

Recruitment and Terms of Service 8

Belief and Belonging 20

Training 26

Equipment 31

Organization and Command of the Legion 33

On Campaign 39

Battle 55

After the Battle 57

Further Reading 60

Glossary 62

Index 64