Osprey Trade Editions : Twilight of the Empire : The Roman Infantryman 3rd to 6th Century AD

Between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD the traditional legions of heavy infantry were whittled away and eventually replaced by a force of various arms and nationalities dominated by cavalry and supported by missile troops. However, in spite of this trend towards cavalry, the pedes remained the backbone of the Roman army until well into the 5th century. The pedes was different from the legionary who preceded him; perhaps he was not as well disciplined, but in many ways he was more flexible - ready for deployment to trouble spots, and for fighting both as a skirmisher and a heavy infantryman. Simon MacDowall's book examines who this man was and how he fought. He begins with an excellent account of the political and consequent military developments within the Roman Empire between the 3rd and 6th centuries, thus providing a useful and informative background to the conditions in which the late Roman infantryman lived and operated. MacDowall's study of this man is extremely comprehensive. It begins by looking at the recruitment and training of the infantryman using sources such as the writings of Vegetius to support his account. He then examines the changing appearance of the late Roman foot-soldier and looks at changing attitudes on the subject of armour. An excellent evaluation of Roman infantry tactics is made, and the book investigates in detail such formations as the cuneus and fulcum. Conditions of service are also examined in depth, even down to the rations of a late Roman pedes in Egypt. The book thus gives a full, interesting and extremely readable account of all aspects of the late Roman infantryman's experience. Illustrations by Gerry Embleton.