Fischer Thomas. Army of the Roman Emperors: Archaeology and History

Translator: Mike C. Bishop. — Oxbow Books, 2019. — 456 p.Compared to modern standard, the Roman army of the imperial era was surprisingly small. However, when assessed in terms of their various tasks, they by far outstrip modern armies - acting not only as an armed power of the state in external and internal conflicts, but also carrying out functions which nowadays are performed by police, local government, customs and tax authorities, as well as constructing roads, ships, and buildings.With this opulent volume, Thomas Fischer presents a comprehensive and unique exploration of the Roman military of the imperial era. With over 600 illustrations, the costumes, weapons and equipment of the Roman army are explored in detail using archaeological finds dating from the late Republic to Late Antiquity, and from all over the Roman Empire. The buildings and fortifications associated with the Roman army are also discussed. By comparing conflicts, border security, weaponry and artifacts, the development of the army through time is traced.This work is intended for experts as well as to readers with a general interest in Roman history. It is also a treasure-trove for reenactment groups, as it puts many common perceptions of the weaponry, equipment and dress of the Roman army to the test.Thomas Fischer has been Professor for the Archaeology of the Roman Provinces at the Archaeological Institute of the University of Cologne since 1992. He has written widely on Roman Bavaria and was previously Scientific Adviser at the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments.
Mike C. Bishop is a specialist on the Roman army, with many publications to his name including the acclaimed and widely used Roman Military Equipment (with J.C.N. Coulston, 2006). The founding editor of Journal of Roman Military Equipment Studies, he has also led several excavations of Roman sites.