Roman Battle Tactics 109BC–AD313 (Elite, 155)

There are hundreds of topics in the Osprey line of military books offered in series such as Elite, Warrior, Men-at-Arms, to name just a few. Military aficionados may find it worthwhile to invest in every single slim volume of every single category, but at an average of .31¢ per page, it’s a pricey education for those who have a topical interest in the various subjects.My recommendation for the fly-by historian: order any one book in any category for a pretty good general idea of the subject matter. If you like that book well enough, you can order more within the series. For instance, there are two books in the Elite series titled “Roman Battle Tactics.” One volume covers 390-110 BC; the other, 109 BC – AD 313. Of the two, the latter book reviewed here, is the more interesting history. The two works are written and illustrated by different people, which leads me to my second suggestion: buy follow-up books by authors you like.“Roman Battle Tactics 109 BC – AD 313” is written by Ross Cowan, a prolific author within the Osprey line. His attention to detail is impressive. I particularly liked the illustrations by Adam Hook featuring the testudo or ‘turtle’ defensive formation – by both foot and cavalry soldiers - as well as the numerous battle-line drawings featuring the ‘pig’s head’, battle arrays and attacking tactics. For such a thin volume, Cowan wisely focuses on premier generals like Pompey, Octavian, and Caesar.A highly readable and visual account of Republican and Imperial Rome’s battlefield tactics.

As expected clean copy

Though Osprey has provided a myriad of books on the appearance, gear, and organization of the legionaries and auxiliaries of Imperial Rome, this is one of the first to deal with exactly how these men fought in great detail.Cowan, the author of the highly useful Legionary Warrior titles, describes both the various formations and the actual fighting styles of the legions, and supports his concise text with drawings and battle plans. As in his previous Osprey titles, he does not breeze over the warfare of the 3rd Century, but deals equally with all the general periods of Roman history held within these dates.Also supplementing the text are plates by Adam Hook and numerous photos of military gravestones and other related items.

The book has a narrow focus - stated by the title. If this is your area of interest, you should read it.

Felt more like a bunch of brief accounts of Roman battles organized according to tactics. But it was pretty interesting and the illustrations were good.

Great book, accurate and informative. The small stories worked into the information are gems from the past. Well worth the read

This is a historical overview of the topic that doesn't bog you down with details, but still gives a reasonable understanding.

He like the book a lot! He is a roman reenactor. This is a great book to add to his collection.