Legion: life in the Roman army

The scale and organisation of the Roman army was unprecedented in the ancient Western world. 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 ¿ and explains its hierarchy, roles, equipment and place in a vast multi-ethnic society divided between citizens and subjects. Through this social evolution, the army gradually transformed the state it was established to protect. Innovations in military training and technology, including medicine, allowed common Roman soldiers to be as well-equipped as their generals and to have realistic prospects of surviving the 25 years of military service. This book dispels preconceived notions about the Roman army ¿ for example, that forts were exclusively the domain of male soldiers ¿ and addresses the violence committed by soldiers towards women, conquered subjects and enslaved peoples. The risks of becoming a soldier are also explored, especially the consequences for convicted soldiers (decimation, crucifixion or becoming amphitheatre entertainment). Most importantly, readers will discover a vivid picture of what life was really like in the Roman army, including how soldiers signed up and were trained; what life was like in tents, forts, and on the battlefield; and soldiers¿ dress, diets, health and relationships.