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Legionary

The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual

by Philip Matyszak

Mem. Ed. $9.99

Pub. Ed. $24.95

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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

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1 to 5 of 10

Great read!
May 22, 2010

Lots of fun with real historical research to back it up. It was a great mix between discribing ordinary people's lives and military history.

Reviewer: Nilton P

Addictive and Amazing!!!
December 23, 2009

This was SUPPOSED to be my brother's Christmas present. He told me the Roman coins he collects were often buried by soldiers for safekeeping before a battle, and those who never returned left them there for us to find. This book was so addictive that I have NOT been able to keep my hands off it!!! I should have wrapped it IMMEDIATELY, especially when I realized how wonderful it was!!! At this point, my brother will probably not notice the slight "wear" on the book. I am definitely going to buy one for myself, and all the rest of the family will want to borrow it, because I had to call them up and read them sections of this marvelous book!! It really is impossible to put down, and now that i HAVE read most of it, I still want one anyway! Maybe I will confess and apologize to my brother, but I am sure after he has seen this book, he will understand!!

Reviewer: elissann

Fun Read
December 09, 2009

Read through this book in a couple of days. Very entertaining. Still amazing how organized and advanced the Roman army was. Great read.

Reviewer: Blaine

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

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