Service in the Roman Army

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Service in the Roman Army
2010 Servicee in the RRoman AArmyy1.jpg
2010 book jacket
AuthorRoy W Davies
SubjectRome-Army-History
Set inAncient Rome
Published1989
PublisherColumbia University Press
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint, eBook
Pages336
ISBN 9780231069922
OCLC 18833409
355.00937
LC Class U35 .D38 1989
LCCN   88-33991

Service in the Roman Army by Roy W Davies is a nonfiction account describing various aspects of life in the army of ancient Rome, as well as this institution's impact on ancient Roman society. It was edited and compiled by David Breeze and Valerie A. Maxfield. The book was published in 1989 by Columbia University Press. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Synopsis

In this book the author Ray Davies inquires into the Roman army's structure, training, and daily life. The book, published after his death in 1977, is a collection of ten of his papers. Some of Davies's work, such as his papers on joining the army, a soldier's daily routine, diet, and the medical service, are detailed research. And his work on Roman cavalry and military camps may be updated by future archaeological discoveries. [6] [7]

His other topics, like the investigation of crimes in Roman Egypt, show his early research into legal matters. His work shows the difference between a centurion's official legal power and the unofficial authority they had for resolving conflicts. Davies's also analyzes Hadrian's influence on the Roman army's training and discipline, and Davies mentions critics' negative remarks on the matter. And there was the ongoing debate among Senators at the time about the different policies of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. [6] [7]

Reception

Brian Campbell, reviewing this book for the academic journal, The Journal of Roman Studies , says that "[t]he editors have skilfully chosen and presented papers that both demonstrate very well the author's abilities as an ancient historian, and will also stimulate further research. For these papers to be readily accessible to scholars and students is the best tribute that Davies could have. [6]

M. P. Speidel, writing for the academic journal Classical World says that "for all in all the editors have put together a truly exciting volume among the small number of books on the Roman army. It will please the intelligent general reader as well the scholar in the field" [7]

References

  1. Keppie, Lawrence (1990). "Reviewed work: Service in the Roman Army, R. W. Davies, David Breeze, Valerie A. Maxfield". The Classical Review. 40 (1): 183. doi:10.1017/S0009840X00253067. JSTOR   3065070.
  2. Wierschowski, Lothar (1991). "Reviewed work: Service in the Roman Army, Roy W. Davies, David Breeze, Valerie A. Maxfield". Historische Zeitschrift. 253 (1): 164–165. JSTOR   27627707.
  3. Birley, Anthony (1991). "Reviewed work: Service in the Roman Army, Roy W. Davies, David Breeze, Valerie A. Maxfield". The Historian. 53 (2): 326–327. JSTOR   24447872.
  4. Drew, K. F. (1989). "Reviewed work: Service in the Roman Army, Roy W. Davies, David Breeze, Valerie A. Maxfield". The Journal of Military History. 53 (4): 440–441. doi:10.2307/1986110. JSTOR   1986110.
  5. Edmondson, Jonathan (1990). "Service in the Roman Army , by Roy W. Davies". Canadian Journal of History. 25: 91–93. doi:10.3138/cjh.25.1.91.
  6. 1 2 3 Campbell, Brian (1990). "Reviewed work: Service in the Roman Army, R. W. Davies, D. Breeze, V. A. Maxfield; Unfreie im Antiken Kriegsdienst, 3. Rom, K.-W. Welwei". The Journal of Roman Studies. 80: 225–226. doi:10.2307/300317. JSTOR   300317.
  7. 1 2 3 Speidel, M. P. (1991). "Reviewed work: Service in the Roman Army, Roy Davies, David Breeze, Valerie Maxfield". The Classical World. 84 (3): 249–250. doi:10.2307/4350789. JSTOR   4350789.

Further reading