Pollard, Nigel / Berry, Joanne Die Legionen Roms

The Roman legionaries have a large and loyal following. Their weapons, opponents, missions, triumphs and defeats interest many experts and amateur historians in every detail. Performances by Roman groups, exhibitions, relevant festivals and markets attract a large audience. The troops not only subjugated a vast empire and determined the fortunes of power-hungry commanders in the struggle for dominance, they also built roads, bridges, aqueducts and buildings and thus contributed to the Romanisation of the provinces and the flourishing of the empire. The military was omnipresent in Roman life: only after 25 years of military service in the intensively trained troops drilled for discipline did the legionaries receive a piece of land as compensation and were allowed to marry. The authors portray all 45 legions of the imperial era, for example the troops that were disbanded for cowardice in 70 AD, or the huge contingent that fell into the trap of the Parthians at Carrhae, or Legio VII "Gemina", which Emperor Galba raised for the march on Rome.