Product Description

The Roman army was one of the most effective fighting forces in history. The legions and their commanders carved out an empire which eventually included the greater part of the known world. This was thanks largely to the generals who led the Roman army to victory after victory, and whose strategic and tactical decisions shaped the course of several centuries of warfare. This book, by the author of THE PUNIC WARS, concentrates on those Roman generals who displayed exceptional gifts of leadership and who won the greatest victories. With 26 chapters covering the entire span of the Roman Empire, it is a complete history of Roman warfare.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50726 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

About the Author
Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, THE ROMAN ARMY AT WAR, was recognised by John Keegan, the general Editor of THE HISTORY OF WARFARE, as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. His other books include THE PUNIC WARS, and the volume on ROMAN WARFARE in John Keegan's CASSELL HISTORY OF WARFARE series.

Customer Reviews

A magnificent chronicle!
In the Name of Rome chronicles the major periods throughout Roman history, from early republic to late empire. Goldsworthy does this in a series of sections, each devoted to a particular period.

The writing itself is detailed, yet it does not bombard the reader with too much information. The text is indeed saturated, but reading it is a pleasure. The diagrams which intersperse the text are informative, and easy to comprehend.

A word or two about the content is also necessary to highlight why In the Name of Rome is such an excellent book in general, and as a resource.

Goldsworthy blends the actual happenings of the campaigns with the political background, giving a wide overall picture of the "climate" at the time.

These are all important traits for any book. In the Name of Rome is special, in my mind, because of its versatility and accessability. It can be read by anyone, for almost any purpose, be it for study of for pleasure.

For those with an interest in this period of history or for those studying the Roman Republic and Empire then I would definitely recommend this title.

I hope this has been of use - cheers, Simmo.

An excellent companion for the military history student!
The book contains everything that one wants to know about the leadership of the imperial or republican Roman army; from formations of the legions to the training practises of each military unit of the day. The book is set in chapters in chronological order with each chapter about a famous general of the time (from Fabius Maximus 'the delayer' circa 200BC to General Belisarius circa 500AD). Though in each chapter Goldsworthy describes their triumphs and notable failures to trace the evolution of the Roman Army with supporting references from Livy and Plutarch rather than decribing their entire careers. Goldsworthy also successfully describes famous battles and wars such as the battle of Anctuim or the Punic wars against Carthage in terms of tactics and politics, this is a rare acheivement. Raise the 'gladii' to Adrian Goldsworthy, this is his 'Spolia Opima'!

In the Name Of Rome
Anyone who enjoys Roman history must put this book on their "hit list"
A great read and written by a noteable author. It has prime place among my 20 books on the Roman Empire. Enough said!