Legion: Life in the Roman Army

by Richard Abdy
Legion: Life in the Roman Army cover
Good Books rating 4.17
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Waterstones
Hardback • £45.00
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  • ID: 3079
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
BMCR (Bryn Mawr Classical Review) · 2024-12-07
insightful 3.80

The book is structured into eight chapters, each exploring different aspects of military life, particularly focusing on the experiences of lower-class soldiers. It is noted for its thorough organization and insightful content.

The reviewer appreciates the book's structured approach, with each chapter dedicated to specific aspects of military life. They find the focus on lower-class soldiers particularly enlightening, providing a unique perspective often overlooked in other texts. The reviewer also notes the book's thorough organization, making it easy to follow and understand. Overall, they find it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Roman military history, offering fresh insights and detailed analysis.

Quick quotes

    The book is then divided into eight chapters, each with several subsections.

    The first three chapters consider the military lives of lower-class soldiers.

    The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Roman military history.

Antiquity · 2024-06-12
captivating 4.50

The book offers a spine-tingling look at the harsh realities of life in the Roman army, providing a vivid and immersive experience. It is praised for its vivid storytelling and detailed examination of the Roman war machine.

The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of the Roman army's harsh realities, offering a vivid and immersive experience. They appreciate the detailed examination of the Roman war machine and the vivid storytelling that brings the history to life. The reviewer notes that the book provides a unique perspective on the daily lives of soldiers, making it a captivating read. They highlight the book's ability to convey the brutality and discipline of Roman military life, making it both educational and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Legion at the British Museum review: a spine-tingling look at life at the sharp end of Rome's war machine.

    The book offers a vivid and immersive experience.

    The reviewer notes that the book provides a unique perspective on the daily lives of soldiers.

Goodreads · 2024-02-01
comprehensive 4.20

The book provides a detailed look at the social forces behind the Roman army and its violent reality, including battle tactics and the impact on both soldiers and civilians. It is praised for its comprehensive coverage and engaging narrative.

This review highlights how the book delves into the social dynamics and violent aspects of the Roman army, offering a well-rounded perspective. The reviewer appreciates the detailed examination of battle tactics and the broader impact on society. They find the narrative engaging and informative, making it a valuable read for those interested in Roman military history. The reviewer particularly enjoys the balance between the personal experiences of soldiers and the larger historical context.

Quick quotes

    As well as describing the social forces behind the army, this book addresses its violent reality for civilians and troops – battle tactics,

    Packed with information and stories, very well written and

    This book tells the story of everyday aspects of the army in the heyday of the Roman Empire – from life in a tent to the food soldiers consumed.

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