The Logistics of the Roman Army at War (264 B.C. - A.D.235) - (Columbia Studies in the Classical Tradition) by Jonathan Roth (Paperback)

About the Book

This work is devoted to a study fo Roman logistics from the Punic Wars through the Principate. It explores various aspects of supply: rations, trains, foraging, supply lines; administration and logistics in warfare. The book traces the increasing sophistication of the Roman military supply system.

Book Synopsis

Relying on a variety of literary, documentary and archaeological sources, this work explores the Roman military supply system from the Punic Wars to the end of the Principate. Each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of logistics: supply needs and rations; packs, trains and military servants; foraging and requisition; supply lines; sources of supply; administration; and the impact of logistics on Roman warfare.
As a whole the book traces the development of the Roman logistics into a highly sophisticated supply system - a vital element in the success of Roman arms. In addition, it makes a critical study of important technical questions of Roman logistics, such as the size of the soldier's grain ration, the function of military servants, and the changes in logistical management under the Republic and Empire.

From the Back Cover

Relying on a variety of literary, documentary and archaeological sources, this work explores the Roman military supply system from the Punic Wars to the end of the Principate. Each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of logistics: supply needs and rations; packs, trains and military servants; foraging and requisition; supply lines; sources of supply; administration; and the impact of logistics on Roman warfare. As a whole the book traces the development of the Roman logistics into a highly sophisticated supply system - a vital element in the success of Roman arms. In addition, it makes a critical study of important technical questions of Roman logistics, such as the size of the soldier's grain ration, the function of military servants, and the changes in logistical management under the Republic and Empire.

Review Quotes

'...the first accessible account of this fascinating subject in English, R.'s book is guaranteed a place on every Roman military bookshelf.'
Duncan B. Campbell, Journal of Roman Studies, 2000.
'...a major contribution to the study of an important aspect of the functioning of the Roman army.'
Israel Shatzman, Scripta Classica Israelica, 2000.
'...this is the most comprehensive and detailed investigation on the subject to appear in English.'
Stefan G. Chrissanthos, Ancient History Bulletin, 1999.

About the Author

Jonathan P. Roth, Ph.D. (1991) in History, Columbia University, is an Assistant Professor of History at San Jose State University. He has published a number of articles on Roman military history and is Secretary/Treasurer of the Society of Ancient Military Historians.