An overview of the Germanic peoples’ military history from this period and an examination of the weapons and tactics they employed on the battlefield. Gabriele Esposito begins this study by showing how, from very early on, the Germanic communities were heavily influenced by Celtic culture. He then moves on to describe the major military events, starting with the first major encounter between the Germanic tribes and the Romans: the invasion by the Cimbri and Teutones. Julius Caesar’s campaigns against German groups seeking to enter Gaul are described in detail as is the pivotal Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, which effectively halted Roman expansion into Germany and for centuries fixed the Rhine as the border between the Roman and Germanic civilizations. Escalating pressure of Germanic raids and invasions was a major factor in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The author’s analysis explains how Germanic warriors were able to crush the Roman military forces on several occasions, gradually transformed the Roman Army itself from the inside and, after the fall of the Empire, created new Romano-Germanic Kingdoms across Europe. The evolution of Germanic weapons, equipment and tactics is examined and brought to life through dozens of color photos of replica equipment in use.

Gabriele Esposito presents an overview of the military history of the Germanic peoples of this period and describes in detail the weapons and tactics they employed on the battlefield. He starts by showing how, from very early on, the Germanic communities were heavily influenced by Celtic culture. He then moves on to describe the major military events, starting with the first major encounter between the Germanic tribes and the Romans: the invasion by the Cimbri and Teutones. Julius Caesar's campaigns against German groups seeking to enter Gaul are described in detail as is the pivotal Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, which effectively halted Roman expansion into Germany and for centuries fixed the Rhine as the border between the Roman and Germanic civilizations. Escalating pressure of Germanic raids and invasions was a major factor in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The author's analysis explains how Germanic warriors were able to crush the Roman military forces on several occasions, gradually transformed the Roman Army itself from the inside and, after the fall of the Empire, created new Romano-Germanic Kingdoms across Europe. The evolution of Germanic weapons, equipment and tactics is examined and brought to life through dozens of color photos of replica equipment in use.

A history of these warring armies who dominated the ancient world, with eighty detailed photos and illustrations of equipment. The Thracians, mentioned as early as the eighth century BC in Homer’s Iliad, were fundamental in the evolution of Greek military systems across the ages. They fought in the Persian Wars, were part of Alexander the Great’s army, were used as mercenaries in many Hellenistic armies, and resisted Roman conquest for a long time. In addition, they used some iconic weapons and had a distinctive panoply. The Dacians were a mix of different cultures and were extremely influenced by some steppe peoples, such as the Sarmatians. They had a lot in common with the Thracians, but had a different history. They formed one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of antiquity, a sort of superpower that dominated over the Balkans. Their wars against Trajan and the Roman Army were absolutely epic, the last campaigns of conquest in the history of the Western Roman Empire. This book about the Thracians and Dacians features a rich collection of photos specifically created for it by reenactors.

A military history of ancient Italy, featuring details of the weapons, equipment, and tactics, as well as color photos showing how warriors looked. Before becoming the masters of the Mediterranean world, the Romans had first to conquer the Italian peninsula in a series of harsh conflicts against its other varied and warlike residents. The outcome was no foregone conclusion and it took the Romans half a millennium to secure the whole of Italy. In Armies of Ancient Italy 753–218 BC, Gabriele Esposito presents the armies that fought these wars, in which the Roman military spirit and their famous legions were forged. He not only follows the evolution of the Roman forces from the Regal Period to the outbreak of the Second Punic War but also the forces of their neighbors, rivals and enemies. The most notable of these, the Etruscans, Samnites and the Italian Greeks are given particular attention but others, such as the Celts and Ligures of the North and the warriors of Sicily and Sardinia, are also considered. Details of the organization, weapons, equipment and tactics of each army are described, while dozens of beautiful color photos of reenactors show how these warriors looked in the field. “Once more, a beautifully illustrated book, this time starting with the story of Rome from the Regal Period to the Second Punic War. The author follows the highly successful format of his books covering the late period of the Roman Empire.—Most Highly Recommended.” —Firetrench “An interesting look at all the people of the Italian era, but what really brings it to life are the countless full colour photographs of re-enactor groups in the correct armour and dress for the various tribes and regions they represent. Excellent production standards and a fascinating look at the history of early Rome.” —The Armourer

An illustrated guide to the organization, structure, equipment, weapons, combat history, and tactics of the Late Roman military forces. This guide to the Late Roman Army focusses on the dramatic and crucial period that started with the accession of Diocletian and ended with the definitive fall of the Western Roman Empire. This was a turbulent period during which the Roman state and its armed forces changed. Gabriele Esposito challenges many stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the Late Roman Army; for example, he argues that the Roman military machine remained a reliable and efficient one until the very last decades of the Western Empire. The author describes the organization, structure, equipment, weapons, combat history and tactics of Late Roman military forces. The comitatenses (field armies), limitanei (frontier units), foederati (allied soldiers), bucellarii (mercenaries), scholae palatinae (mounted bodyguards), protectores (personal guards) and many other kinds of troops are covered. The book is lavishly illustrated in color, including the shield devices from the Notitia Dignitatum. The origins and causes for the final military fall of the Empire are discussed in detail, as well as the influence of the “barbarian” peoples on the Roman Army. Praise for Armies of the Late Roman Empire, AD 284–476 “An excellent introduction to the subject for the novice, and seasoned students of the subject may find it of use as well.” —The NYMAS Review “This beautifully illustrated book depicts the very different arms and armour of the late Roman Empire as Roman soldiers adapted to the challenges of the rising barbarian armies . . . Very Highly Recommended.” —Firetrench “Superbly well-illustrated . . . historians, re-enactors and war gamers will find invaluable to understanding and picturing the Roman forces.” —Hoplite Association

A look at the military might of these ancient warriors who sacked Rome and conquered much of Europe. Although comprised of many distinct tribes and groupings, the Celts shared a distinctive culture that dominated much of Europe for centuries, and enjoyed a formidable reputation as fierce and brave warriors, skilled horsemen, and fine metalworkers. In 390 BC, an alliance of Celtic tribes defeated a Roman army at the River Allia and went on to sack Rome and thenceforth the Romans lived under their threat. In the early third century BC, a Celtic army swept into Macedonia and Greece, won a major victory at Thermopylai, and ransacked the sacred sanctuary at Delphi. Such was their warlike prowess that, when not fighting their own wars, they were sought after as mercenaries by many armies, serving as far afield as southern Egypt. When the Romans invaded Gaul—modern-day France and Belgium—and the British Isles, Celtic armies resisted them fiercely. In this book, Gabriele Esposito studies this fascinating warrior culture, their armies, strategy, tactics, and equipment—they invented the horned saddle and chainmail, and British armies were the last in Europe to use chariots on the battlefield. Also included are dozens of color photographs of reenactors to help bring these magnificent warriors back to life.

Conflict was rife among the Greeks of the Classical period, including some of the most famous wars and battles of the whole ancient period, such as the defeat of the Persians at Marathon, the Spartans' heroic last stand at Thermopylae, the gruelling Pelopponesian War and the epic March of the Ten Thousand. The Greek heavy infantry spearmen, or hoplites, are one of the most recognizable types of ancient warrior and their tightly-packed phalanx formation dominated the battlefield. Covering the period from the Persian Wars to the Macedonian victory at the Battle of Chaeronea, Gabriele Esposito examines not only the hoplites but also the other troops that featured in Greek armies with growing importance as time went on, such as light infantry skirmishers and cavalry. He details their arms, armour and equipment, organization and tactics. His clear, informative text is beautifully illustrated with dozens of colour photographs showing how the equipment was worn and used.