My Caesars Gallic War book library for wargaming consists of the following titles this is not an exhaustive library is just some of my favourites on the subject.
Caesar's Gallic Wars 58–50 BC
Julius Caesar was one of the most ambitious and successful politicians of the late Roman Republic and his short but bloody conquest of the Celtic tribes led to the establishment of the Roman province of Gaul (modern France). Caesar's commentaries on his Gallic Wars provide us with the most detailed surviving eye-witness account of a campaign from antiquity. Kate Gilliver makes use of this account and other surviving evidence to consider the importance of the Gallic Wars in the context of the collapse of the Roman Republic and its slide toward civil war.
Battle Orders
Alesia 52 BC The final struggle for Gaul
In 52 BC Caesar’s continued strategy of annihilation had engendered a spirit of desperation, which detonated into a revolt of Gallic tribes under the leadership of the charismatic young Arvernian noble Vercingetorix. Major engagements were fought at Noviodunum, Avaricum, and Gergovia, with the last action being the most serious reverse that Caesar faced in the whole of the Gallic War. However, Vercingetorix soon realized that he was unable to match the Romans in pitched battle. Taking advantage of the tribesmen’s superior knowledge of their home territory, Vercingetorix began a canny policy of small war and defensive manoeuvres, which gravely hampered Caesar’s movements by cutting off his supplies. For Caesar it was to be a grim summertime – his whole Gallic enterprise faced disaster. In the event, by brilliant leadership, force of arms, and occasionally sheer luck, Caesar succeeded in stamping out the revolt in a long and brutal action culminating in the siege of Alesia. Vercingetorix finally surrendered and Alesia was to be the last significant resistance to the Roman will. Never again would a Gallic warlord independent of Rome hold sway over the Celts of Gaul.
Combat
Command
Julius Caesar
One of the greatest military commanders in history, Julius Caesar's most famous victory - the conquest of Gaul - was to him little more than a stepping stone to power. An audacious and decisive general, his victories over the Gauls allowed him to challenge for the political leadership of Rome. Leading a single legion across the Rubicon in 49 BC, Caesar launched a civil war which would end the Roman Republic and usher in the Roman Empire, with Caesar at its helm. This examination of the great general's life covers his great victories and few defeats, looking at the factors which lay behind his military genius.
Duel
Elite
Roman Battle Tactics 109BC–AD313
How, exactly, did Rome become master of the ancient world? This book examines and illustrates the tactics employed by the legions of late Republican and early Imperial Rome, from the evidence o f ancient writers. The greatest military machine in the Western world for at least four centuries, the Roman Army was the foundation of the Western military tradition, and its doctrines were central to the later revival of trained, drilled professional armies. Here the evidence is discussed in clear detail, and brought to life with battle plans and full colour interpretations of tactical scenarios.
Siege Warfare in the Roman World
Sieges were often pivotal in Rome's wars, including its conflicts with the Macedonians and Carthaginians in the 2nd century BC; the civil wars of the Republic; and the late Roman wars against the Sassanid Persians, who, alone amongst Rome's adversaries, were equally skilled in siegecraft. This book discusses the siege techniques employed by Roman armies and their opponents throughout the Republic and Empire. It shows that although the 1st century AD has long been considered the golden age of siegecraft, followed by a decline, new and effective siege techniques were in fact used in the following centuries.
Command
Julius Caesar
One of the greatest military commanders in history, Julius Caesar's most famous victory - the conquest of Gaul - was to him little more than a stepping stone to power. An audacious and decisive general, his victories over the Gauls allowed him to challenge for the political leadership of Rome. Leading a single legion across the Rubicon in 49 BC, Caesar launched a civil war which would end the Roman Republic and usher in the Roman Empire, with Caesar at its helm. This examination of the great general's life covers his great victories and few defeats, looking at the factors which lay behind his military genius.
Duel
Elite
Roman Battle Tactics 109BC–AD313
How, exactly, did Rome become master of the ancient world? This book examines and illustrates the tactics employed by the legions of late Republican and early Imperial Rome, from the evidence o f ancient writers. The greatest military machine in the Western world for at least four centuries, the Roman Army was the foundation of the Western military tradition, and its doctrines were central to the later revival of trained, drilled professional armies. Here the evidence is discussed in clear detail, and brought to life with battle plans and full colour interpretations of tactical scenarios.
Siege Warfare in the Roman World
Sieges were often pivotal in Rome's wars, including its conflicts with the Macedonians and Carthaginians in the 2nd century BC; the civil wars of the Republic; and the late Roman wars against the Sassanid Persians, who, alone amongst Rome's adversaries, were equally skilled in siegecraft. This book discusses the siege techniques employed by Roman armies and their opponents throughout the Republic and Empire. It shows that although the 1st century AD has long been considered the golden age of siegecraft, followed by a decline, new and effective siege techniques were in fact used in the following centuries.
Fortress
The Forts of Celtic Britain
Half a millennium before the Romans first arrived in Britain, an even more ferocious people, the Celts, arrived in what is now south-eastern England. The Celts remained in Britain long after the Romans departed, and although driven into the remoter corners of the island by English invaders the people who remained clung onto their Celtic heritage, and defended their remaining lands against all-comers. In order to defend their lands from other tribes or outside invaders these people established powerful fortified sites that served as places of refuge in wartime and as administrative and trading centres in times of peace. This book examines these fascinating forts, which varied considerably from the mysterious brochs and duns found in northern Britain, to the hill-top forts ranging in size, to the promontory forts that formed powerful coastal strongholds all around the island's shores.
Men-at-Arms
Roman Military Clothing (1)
The armour and weapons of Rome's legionaries and auxiliaries have been the subject of intense research and speculation, and much has been published - but almost nothing on the actual clothing of Imperial soldiers. In this first part of a rigorous study of the literary, sculptural, pictorial and archaeological evidence, a specialist author/artist examines the clues which enable us to attempt reconstructions of tunics, cloaks, footwear and other items worn by officers and men all over the empire, from the late Republic to c.200 AD. His text is illustrated with meticulous drawings of surviving relief sculptures - particularly soldiers' gravestones - and eight striking colour plates.
The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan
Although the common Roman fighting men themselves have left no account, much literature has survived from antiquity. The wealth of archaeological finds, plus the study of surviving Roman sculpture has allowed historians to learn much about the nature of the Roman army which conquered an astonishing expanse of territory. Michael Simkins brings all his substantial knowledge to bear on this fascinating subject, covering such topics as army composition, recruitment, training, campaign routine and providing a wealth of detail on weapons, uniforms and equipment. Men-at-Arms 283, 291 and 46 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘Caesar's Legions'.
Raid
Warrior
Celtic Warrior 300 BC–AD 100
In the 1st century BC, Strabo wrote of the Celts: ‘The whole race... is madly fond of war, high-spirited and quick to battle... and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on their side but their own strength and courage'. This book gives an insight into the life of the Celtic warrior, and his experience of battle - on foot, on horseback, and as a charioteer. It also details Celtic society and studies the vital ritual nature of Celtic warfare, from the naked gaesatae to the woad-painted warriors.
Caesar's Legions: The Roman Soldier, 753 BC to 117 AD
This book combines Men-at-Arms 283: ‘Early Roman Armies', Men-at-Arms 291: ‘Republican Roman Army 200-104 BC' and Men-at-Arms 46 ‘The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan'. Rome held dominion over a huge swathe of territory and peoples by the 1st century AD, covering Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Yet the delivery, maintenance and administration of such power and riches were founded upon one thing alone - the military might of her army.
Barbarians Against Rome Rome's Celtic, Germanic, Spanish and Gallic Enemies
This book combines Men-at-Arms 129: ‘Rome's Enemies 1: Germanics and Dacians', Men-at-Arms 158: ‘Rome's Enemies 2: Gallic & British Celts' and Men-at-Arms 180: ‘Rome's Enemies 4: Spanish Armies 218-19BC'. As Rome's borders increased, a multifarious clash of cultures ensued. Conflict was inevitable; to the victor, new territory and dominion; to the vanquished, humility and subjugation. The Celts, Celtiberians, Gauls, Teutones, Cimbri, and many others all fought without mercy to protect their people, territories and cultures from the Roman onslaught.
Rome and Her Enemies: An Empire Created and Destroyed by War
Spanning over a thousand years and an immense geographical area, the Roman Empire was the greatest in world history. At its most powerful, the Empire cast a shadow across the known world, and its legacy continues to influence politics, art and culture around the world today. Rome's power was won on the battlefield, and the greatness of the Empire is reflected in the warlike reputations of the enemies it subdued. Hannibal, the Carthaginians, Mithridates, the Gauls, the Sassanid Persians and the infamous Goths are amongst the forces that battled the might of Rome. Rome and Her Enemies juxtaposes the society and military structure of each of these peoples with those of the contemporary Roman army. Using previously published Osprey material, this book is divided into four chronological sections focusing on major wars and battles, is lavishly illustrated throughout, and colour photographs, artwork and maps support the text to provide a comprehensive introduction to the rise and fall of an empire created and destroyed by war. Introduction by Tom Holland, bestselling author of 'Persian Fire' and 'Rubicon'.
Caesar Against the Celts
An analysis and description of Julius Caesar's campaigns in France, Britain and Germany, covering his battles on land and sea and including the invasions of England, the bridge across the Rhine and sieges of Celtic strongholds.
Caesars Legion: The Epic Saga of Julius Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion and the Armies of Rome
A unique and splendidly researched story, following the trials and triumphs of Julius Caesar′s Legio X–arguably the most famous legion of its day–from its activation to the slogging battle of Munda and from Thapsus, Caesar′s tactical masterpiece, to the grim siege of the Jewish fortress of Masada. More than a mere unit account, it incorporates the history of Rome and the Roman army at the height of their power and gory glory. Many military historians consider Caesar′s legions the world′s most efficient infantry before the arrival of gunpowder. This book shows why. Written in readable, popular style, Caesar′s Legion is a must for military buffs and anyone interested in Roman history at a critical point in European civilization." —T. R. Fehrenbach, author of This Kind of War, Lone Star, and Comanches Stephen Dando–Collins paints a vivid and definitive portrait of daily life in the Tenth Legion as he follows Caesar and his men along the blood–soaked fringes of the Empire. This unprecedented regimental history reveals countless previously unknown details about Roman military practices, Caesar′s conduct as a commander and his relationships with officers and legionaries, and the daily routine and discipline of the Legion. From penetrating insights into the mind of history′s greatest general to a grunt′s–eye view of the gruesome realities of war in the Classical Age, this unique and riveting true account sets a new standard of excellence and detail to which all authors of ancient military history will now aspire.
The Complete Roman Army
The Complete Roman Army draws on archaeology, ancient art and original documentary sources to present the most convincing picture ever published of the worlds most famous fighting machine. Every aspect of the Roman army, from the daily lives of individual soldiers to the outcome of major campaigns, is explored in five accessible sections. Discussions of key Roman battles, hundreds of illustrations and brief biographies of the great commanders bring the campaigns and personalities to life.
Legions of Rome: The definitive history of every Roman legion
No book on Roman history has attempted to do what Stephen Dando-Collins does in Legions of Rome: to provide a complete history of every Imperial Roman legion and what it achieved as a fighting force. The author has spent the last thirty years collecting every scrap of available evidence from numerous sources: stone and bronze inscriptions, coins, papyrus and literary accounts in a remarkable feat of historical detective work. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 provides a detailed account of what the legionaries wore and ate, what camp life was like, what they were paid and how they were motivated and punished. The section also contains numerous personal histories of individual soldiers. Part 2 offers brief unit histories of all the legions that served Rome for 300 years from 30BC. Part 3 is a sweeping chronological survey of the campaigns in which the armies were involved, told from the point of view of particular legions. Lavish, authoritative and beautifully produced, Legions of Rome will appeal to ancient history enthusiasts and military history buffs alike.
The Complete Roman Legions
This is the first book for a general audience to cover all 45 imperial legions in compelling and accurate detail, telling the tales of their triumphs and defeats as they policed the empire and enlarged its borders. Focusing on the legions as the core of the Roman army, and chronicling their individual histories in detail, this volume builds on the thematic account of the Roman military force given by its companion The Complete Roman Army, and is vital reading for anyone who has enjoyed that book. It describes the legions in their various postings and major campaigns, as well as their activities as builders and peacekeepers on the empires frontiers. Data files on each legion list their titles, standards, main bases and major campaigns; box features throughout range from accounts of major uprisings to surveys of the main bases and fortresses. Over 200 illustrations portray weapons, armour, inscriptions, fortresses and the regions where the legions served.Beautifully designed and comprehensively illustrated, the books authoritative and informative text dramatically brings to life the ancient worlds most successful military machine - Professor Lawrence Keppie
Roman Military Dress
The Roman military was one of the most powerful forces of the ancient world. But what did its soldiers wear? This book presents an accurate and illuminating study of a popular yet understudied subject. Spanning 1000 years from the Late Republic to the Byzantine Empire, including every item from helmet linings to let wrappings, Graham Sumner presents an original and detailed interpretation of wide-ranging evidence, drawing on recent textile finds, ancient artwork and original literary sources from across the Roman Empire. With the help of informative illustrations, we understand how the garments were worn and by which soldiers, both on and off the battlefield. Materials used, methods of manufacture and dying, and the second-hand trade are also discussed. Including stunning colour images and reconstructions, this book will be of great value to students and re-enactors of the Romans, as well as costume and fashion students.
Romans - Clothing from the Roman Era In North-West Europe
Reenactors bring into practice archaeological and historical research into Roman clothing and equipment. Over the past few years, Stef Verstraaten photographed reenactors, complete with their weaponry, religious attributes and everyday objects. Before his camera, history comes alive, colourful and razor sharp right down to the minutest detail. Romans is showing a unique collection of images of Romans in all their variations. Get to know the Roman legionaries, troops, officers, civilians and slaves in our first centuries ad from close up.
With contributions by: Paul van der Heijden and Jasper Oorthuys.
Battle Orders
Campaign
Combat
Command
Duel
Elite
Essential Histories
Fortress
Men-at-Arms
New Vanguard
Raid
Warrior
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