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Armies of the Late Roman Empire, AD 284–476: History, Organization & Equipment (Armies of the Past) Kindle Edition

by Gabriele Esposito (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 74 ratings
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An illustrated guide to the organization, structure, equipment, weapons, combat history, and tactics of the Late Roman military forces.

This guide to the Late Roman Army focusses on the dramatic and crucial period that started with the accession of Diocletian and ended with the definitive fall of the Western Roman Empire. This was a turbulent period during which the Roman state and its armed forces changed.

Gabriele Esposito challenges many stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the Late Roman Army; for example, he argues that the Roman military machine remained a reliable and efficient one until the very last decades of the Western Empire. The author describes the organization, structure, equipment, weapons, combat history and tactics of Late Roman military forces. The comitatenses (field armies), limitanei (frontier units), foederati (allied soldiers), bucellarii (mercenaries), scholae palatinae (mounted bodyguards), protectores (personal guards) and many other kinds of troops are covered.

The book is lavishly illustrated in color, including the shield devices from the Notitia Dignitatum. The origins and causes for the final military fall of the Empire are discussed in detail, as well as the influence of the “barbarian” peoples on the Roman Army.

Praise for Armies of the Late Roman Empire, AD 284–476

“An excellent introduction to the subject for the novice, and seasoned students of the subject may find it of use as well.” —The NYMAS Review

“This beautifully illustrated book depicts the very different arms and armour of the late Roman Empire as Roman soldiers adapted to the challenges of the rising barbarian armies . . . Very Highly Recommended.” —Firetrench

“Superbly well-illustrated . . . historians, re-enactors and war gamers will find invaluable to understanding and picturing the Roman forces.” —Hoplite Association
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Previous page
  1. Part of series
    Armies of the Past
  2. Print length
    194 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Pen & Sword Military
  6. Publication date
    October 30, 2018
  7. File size
    62630 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...superbly well-illustrated... historians, re-enactors and war gamers will find invaluable to understanding and picturing the Roman forces."
Hoplite Association

"The book is extensively illustrated, mostly in full color with many photographs using Roman Army reenactors to illustrate what the troops looked like based on available evidence."
Military Heritage Magazine

"Armies of the Late Roman Empire, a volume in the series “Armies of the Past”, is an excellent introduction to the subject for the novice, and seasoned students of the subject may find it of use as well."
The NYMAS Review

About the Author

Gabriele Esposito is an Italian researcher and a long-time student of military history, whose interests and expertise range widely over various periods. He is the author of numerous books on armies and uniforms and is a regular contributor to many specialized magazines in Italy, France, Netherlands and UK. His many previous works include Armies of Early Colonial North America 1607-1713, published by Pen & Sword in 2018.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07NJM2L5D
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Military (October 30, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 30, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 62630 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 194 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1526730375
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
74 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Dr. Sharon
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
I gave this to my son-in-law who is an avid fan of Roman times. He got this for Christmas and read it cover to cover before even a week passed. He loved it. And since he is very familiar with all things Roman, I think that is a pretty amazing thing.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Armies of the Late Roman Empire
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
As a history buff and who has collected Roman weaponry, I have found this book to be an excellent read. Highly recommended.
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David Martin Kush
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introductory Volume on the Late Roman Army.
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2019
Verified Purchase
Nothing really new was offered. But nice illustrations.
2 people found this helpful
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Ernesto Gutierrez
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
Very informative. Easy to read. Good for reference.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Etienne
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, insightful read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
I wanted an in-depth, deep dive into the late roman military, and that's exactly what I got with the book. It gives a detailed overview of everything from the organisation to the equipment used.
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BOUDOT Aurélien
5.0 out of 5 stars Livre sur l’armée Romaine à la fin de l’antiquité
Reviewed in France on November 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Une nouvelle vision apportée sur cette armée prétendument en déclin. Enrichi par de nombreuses photos, cet ouvrage nous replonge de pleins pieds sur cette période méconnue et cette armée romaine sans cesse en adaptation face aux nouvelles pratiques guerrières de son temps. A lire !
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edoardo martino rebec
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!!!
Reviewed in Brazil on September 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
A really show of imagens and great text for everybody who like the theme.
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Martinus
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2022
Verified Purchase
An excellent book for both wargamers and those seeking an introduction to the period. They remin me of the old WRG 'Armies and Enemies' series of books, much loved by me, with photographs and colour illustrations.
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Peter B.
4.0 out of 5 stars The book arrived promptly
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2019
Verified Purchase
Well-illustrated with photos of historical re-enactors with reconstructed armour, weapons and clothing based on archaeological and pictorial evidence for late Roman equipment, mainly of infantrymen- a bit more on cavalry would have been nice.
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