Author Description

A collection of 25 international papers dedicated to Eric Birley, on the subject of his principal interest, the Roman army. The essays focus on hierarchy and rank within the army and its position within the social and political structure of the empire. The book begins with a discussion of the valued contribution of seasoned volunteers and middle ranking officers and an assessment of the possibilities for reward and social position on retirement. Other subjects include inexperienced officers, senator generals, military service and Principilaires. The book finally assesses the contribution of the Roman army to the societies of Rome, Spain, Gaul, Germania, Dalmatia, Moesia Superior and Egypt. The meticulously detailed essays vary from broad discussions of the army as a whole to specific studies of individuals drawn from all ranks. Contributors include Lukas de Blois, David J Breeze, Anthony R Birley, Michael Redd, Yann le Bohec, John J Wilkes, Michael P Speidel and Fritz Mitthof. English, German, French, Italian text.