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Legionary By Philip Matyszak

Legionary

The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual

by Philip Matyszak

Mem. Ed. $17.49

Pub. Ed. $24.95

You pay $0.25

Bonus Content

Legionary

Legionary is an expertly researched though refreshingly un-academic and entertaining look at life in the Roman army. With all the accuracy and detail to educate even veteran buffs of ancient history, this book combines the latest archaeological discoveries to offer a vivid picture of what it was like to live and fight as a legionnaire. Legionary “takes place” in AD 100, beginning with a call to arms for the defense against the Roman Empire’s many enemies. Written as an official military manual a Roman recruiter might use, it begins with a description of the personal qualities the empire sought in its recruits (at least 5'10" tall, good eyesight, bachelor status). This heavily illustrated field guide then delves deeply into all subjects of interest, including equipment, training, discipline and battle tactics. You’ll find out what to wear (and what not to wear) during a campaign; how to march in formation, storm a city and fire a catapult; how to conduct yourself during an honor ceremony; and much more. All the information is based on archival research. So strap on the armor, sharpen your pilum and prepare for the next onrush of barbarian hordes. The empire is under assault. Rome needs you!

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Inc. ( June 01, 2009 )

Item #: 22-0847

ISBN: 9780500251515

Product Dimensions: 5.25 x 8.0 x 0.0 inches

Product Weight: 17.0 ounces

Fun stuff
November 19, 2009

Very nicely written "marketing info" for joining the Roman Legion. Not quite a basic training manual, but has a lot of useful information of how one joined the Roman army and what one could expect life to be like. Also a quick survey of the early AD legions themselves and their unit histories. The book works on many levels and is a run read to boot. @

Reviewer: Alan T

Awesome book
November 07, 2009

Felt like I was reading a real book from a military pamphlet, like it was from a modern military with the details and stuff. It was also pretty funny in describing the legions and other units. Going to have my kids read it!

Reviewer: Estevan R

Io! Join the Legions! Meet Interesting Barbarians!
October 15, 2009

This informative, entertaining, and often laugh-out-loud book is the Roman legionary of 100 AD's equivalent of the Boy Scout Fieldbook - but with a lot more gore and rough edges and a lot less couth. The author, tongue planted firmly in cheek (Tacitus meets Lindsey Davis), tells the prospective recruit everything he needs to know about Roman military life. The author begins each chapter with a short bit of military wisdom such as: "We were against the cream of the Gallic army. The odds were a thousand to one. But he was a very tough Gaul." He goes on to give useful advice. A good fit for your helmet is vital because "Convex internal protrusions become concave indentations in the skull." "To the average legionary, all centurions are dolori posteriori...." "No combat-ready soldiers will pass an inspection. No inspection-ready soldiers will pass combat." Do not underestimate this book as lightweight or superficial. It is incredibly well researched and organized, clearly written, and includes many short excerpts from original source writings on Roman warfare by Tacitus, Julius Caesar, Josephus, Frontinus and many others. It may be one of the few places the reader who doesn't know much about military history can get a clear and simple explanation of the history, structure and organization of the Roman legions. In addition, adult scouters may find the Roman methods of managing hordes of barbarian warriors useful in running Camporees or Summer Camps.

Reviewer: Helen C

Great Read
September 15, 2009

Tightly written (filler free), nicely illustrated, briskly paced. Informative while being informal. One the best of the year.

Reviewer: Lars

A Great Read!
July 31, 2009

I read this book in one evening. It's fascinating and entertaining. I got a kick out of the small details about the Legionares daily life. I served in the Army 40 years ago and to read that the Legionares kept a spare mess kit just for inspection brought back memories. I rememeber guys that kept an extra pair of gear for Saturday morning "junk on the bunk" inspections.

Reviewer: Gimlet67

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