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Book Review by Philip Matyszak An Empire worth defending The ancient Romans were brutes. They wantonly invaded a succession of gentle, tree-hugging native peoples and set up a harsh, exploitative empire that did nothing for its unfortunate subjects but expose them to rampant corruption and prohibitively high taxation, and all the while a predatory army and swarms of bandits pillaged what was left. The above paragraph is something of a parody of the way that modern revisionist historians portray the Roman empire. Nevertheless there can be little doubt that views of ancient Rome have recently changed. Perhaps from revulsion at the more unsavoury practices of modern colonial empires, there is a modern trend to portray Rome as uniquely savage, violent and a force for bad in the ancient world. Pax Romana is a rather gentle but comprehensive refutation of this view – or at least a solid thesis by the author that 'the pendulum has swung too far'. In this book author and scholar Adrian Goldsworthy looks at Rome and its empire in a series of detailed studies – from conquest, to administration and frontier defences – and asks 'Did the Pax Romana really exist?' And if it did, was it beneficial for the people who lived under it? At the start of the book, one is entitled to have doubts. The Romans were not gentle conquerors. As we read of Caesar in Gaul, the callousness and at times downright barbaric behaviour of the Romans is impossible to ignore. However, as Goldsworthy points out, not everyone suffered in the same way. Some leaders sided with the Romans from the outset and were gently and willingly romanized. What this section shows very well is that the Romans were always but one of the players in a highly complex game of regional politics in which a multiplicity of factors influenced the protagonists. Another point which the author makes repeatedly is that we should not make the mistake of judging the Romans by one standard – that of 21st century Europe – and everyone else in the ancient world by another. The Romans were people of their time, and those were not gentle times. The Germans were every bit as warlike as the Romans, and aggressively expansionist too. Those gentle Britons did not live in hill forts because they enjoyed the view, and for a 'peaceful' people they were remarkably skilful and practised when it came to fighting off Caesar's legions. As Goldsworthy remarks, the Romans saw nothing wrong with having an empire. They were very proud of it, and they were unequivocal that this empire was for the benefit of the Romans. Yet no other people before or since were so ready to share being Roman with 'subject peoples', to make once-foreign cities imperial capitals (as Rome ceased to be one), and to serve under emperors whose ancestors had been conquered by those Romans. The section on the Roman frontier is especially revealing in this context. We see the frontiers not as a simple set of fortifications, but as part of a complex and interwoven web of political, economic and military interactions. There is, as Goldsworthy remarks, a certain irony that the frontiers were so effective that some modern critics deem that they were unnecessary. By the end of this book – and it is not a short read – one has a clear idea of how Rome's empire worked. There is no attempt to whitewash Rome into a benevolent and altruistic overlord. But the Romans were above all pragmatists. They had worked out that peaceful provinces were easier to govern, that contented subjects needed fewer soldiers to control them, and prosperous provinces paid more taxes. So the Pax Romana strove for peace, content and prosperity, and succeeded to a remarkable degree. Not because of modern notions of morality, not out of philanthropy, but because it was the most efficient way to run an empire. ...more Book Reviews! Roman Empire by C. M. Wells The Fall of the Roman Empire by Peter Heather Julius Caesar's Disease: A New Diagnosis by Galassi and Ashrafian Adrian Goldsworthy was born in 1969. He was educated up to the age of sixteen at Westbourne House Preparatory School and Westbourne Boys College in Penarth, South Wales. He attended the Sixth Form at Stanwell Comprehensive School for his A-Levels. From there he went to St John's College, Oxford University and took a First in Ancient and Modern History. Remaining at St John's, he was awarded a D.Phil. in Literae Humaniores (Ancient History) in 1994. The topic of his thesis was 'The Roman Army as a fighting force, 100 BC-AD 200'. A modified version of this was subsequently published in the Oxford Monographs series under the title of The Roman Army at War, 100 BC - AD 200 (1996). This remains in print and is one of the best selling works in the series. Philip Matyszak is a British non-fiction author, primarily of historical works relating to the ancient world. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University. Tell us your opinion - Submit your Review - Buy the book! Book Review of Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World - Related Topic: Five Good Emperors Bibliography Get it now! Pax Romana for the UK ________________________________ Archive

Book Review by Michael Mates Michael Edward Moore received his higher education at the University of Michigan, taking a B.A. in 1984 (Phi Beta Kappa) and a Ph.D in 1993. At Michigan he studied with Czeslaw Milosz and Hans Küng. Dr. Moore's research centers on ecclesiastical, legal and scholarly traditions of Europe from late antiquity through the Carolingian Empire. His work encompasses the history of medieval politics, the history of scholarship, the papacy, liturgy, royal law, canon law, and the "history of history." Recently he has begun to study the history of philology and hermeneutics. This detailed, carefully argued book shows how Christian bishops used their mastery of moral, social and spiritual power, along with law and tradition, to guide the formation and governance of the Frankish kingdoms. The period covers the Gallic period, the conversion and baptism of Clovis I (c 508 AD), the deposition of the Merovingians in 751, the missionary conquests of Charlemagne (King 768-814, Emperor 800-814), and the breakup of the unified empire after the death of Charlemagne’s son Louis the Pious in 840. Moore cites nearly 100 bishops’ councils during the period, and dozens of royal laws and edicts. Moore argues that the church’s “power to shape and guide a society rather than coerce it,” (p 2), was based on: • the elite (and urban) origin of bishops (drawn mostly from the aristocracy); • their status as an ascetic ordo (order) charged with protecting the kingdom and the poor by prayer and alms; • the general respect accorded the church by the people and the aristocracy; • the church’s monopoly of spiritual power and authority; • the provision of sanctuary to those fleeing persecution or prosecution; • the wealth gained by churches and monasteries from donations of the pious; • the permanence of written in contrast to oral law; • the architectural dominance and attractive beauty of basilicas; • bishops’ eagerness to defend their own diocesan turf; • the steady accretion of legal and moral codes in hundreds of church councils; • the adaptation of laws and traditions (tribal, Roman, Biblical) to current situations; and • their circular tonsure, which made them look older and therefore more authoritative. In one of his many brilliant and well-expressed metaphors, Moore summarizes the bishops’ success over five centuries in developing a Christian kingship: “so much royal fabric seemed to absorb an episcopal dye” (p 7). “Kings were offered a lofty role they could play only in concert with bishops” (p 140). Kings and nobles did from time to time attempt to enforce their authority against that of the church. The most intriguing story concerns the henchmen of King Childebert (496-558), and their pursuit of an enemy of the king who had taken refuge in a church. Mindful that it was unlawful to invade the holy place, and following the letter if not the spirit of the law, the men climbed on the roof, tore off tiles, and threw them down on the victim, killing him (p 192). But overall, the “integration of royal and episcopal power” (p 254), under the guiding hand of the church, continued apace, reaching its apogee in the reign of Charlemagne as emperor (800-81). Near the end of the united empire, the highs and lows stand out. Louis the Pious negotiated on equal terms in the 820s with the Byzantine Emperor Michael in their condemnation of the Pope’s excessive veneration of icons. Later, in 833, Louis made public penance before bishops at Compiègne, where he had to be physically restrained by bishops as they removed his sword belt (p 335). The penance related to Louis’s alleged misdeeds in an era of “treason, royal rebellion and civil war” (p 332). ...more Book Reviews! The Late Roman Army by Pat Southern The Oxford Classical Dictionary by Hornblower and Spawforth Empire Of Pleasures by Andrew Dalby As always with this historical period, it is a pleasure to encounter again the splendidly barbarian names (Sisebut, Grimoald, Wamba), and to read the odd examples of decayed Latin, such as that of the Bobbio Missal. However, for the most part, and in tribute to their maintenance of literary standards in often rough times, the bishops wrote a generally solid legal and Christian Latin, which Moore translates extensively, with the original in footnotes. (Very occasionally, Moore cites some Latin and French without translation.) It is an even greater pleasure to read the grand sweep of over half a millennium, supported by, but never bogged down by the details that support the thesis. Michael Mates earned his PhD in 1982 at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena CA, writing his dissertation on St. Patrick and the British Church. After seminary, he taught in Pakistan, and then worked as a U.S. diplomat with the Department of State, serving in Islamabad, Canberra, Karachi, Cluj (Romania), Columbia (District of) and Chisinau (Moldova), before retiring in 2011 to Monroe, Washington State, and starting a new career as co-landscaper at his hectare of gardens, lawns and forest, and brewer of black-fudge garden compost. Tell us your opinion - Submit your Review - Buy the book! Book Review of A Sacred Kingdom - Related Topic: Germania Inferior - Germania Superior Bibliography Get it now! A Sacred Kingdom for the UK ________________________________ Archive

Book Review by Gordon Doherty It took me a long time to get round to reading this, and , in short, I'm kicking myself I didn’t do it sooner. So, I hope this review whets the appetite for anyone who has this volume on their TBR list! Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War is unusual and unique in its style in that it is written from a distant third person point of view. In ways it reminded me of the style employed in the colourful and thrilling 'docudramas' of the History Channel. But the unique part comes with Mr Timmes' ability to shed that distant perspective and swoop down like an eagle and perch close to - almost upon the shoulder of - the protagonists in moments of extreme stress or emotion. And there were plenty such moments… The story follows the soldier, Manius Tullus, through the second Punic War, a time when the Italian peninsula was occupied for 14 years by the mighty Hannibal Barca. It could be said that it was during that time the unshakeable confidence of the (later) Roman Empire emerged: cities and entire vassal peoples on Italian were defecting to the seemingly unbeatable Carthaginian general, and battle after battle delivered defeat after defeat to Rome's legions - yet still the Republic of Rome held firm. The book opens with an in-depth prologue, set in the near-present day, which describes the discovery of hidden scrolls following an earthquake in Israel. The archaeologists determine that these scrolls were written by a young Jewish man by the name of Joseph who served with (and was perhaps mentored by) Manius, and that they chronicled the Second Punic War from Joseph's point of view, charting soldier's eye level details of the proceedings. Now these scrolls and their contents are entirely fictional, but plausible nonetheless, and it is here that the story leaps back in time (where it remains) to follow Manius and Joseph's adventures. Things begin in media res with our hero, Manius, clinging onto life amidst the dead on the crimson fields of Cannae - probably Rome's most famous reverse against Hannibal's forces. The imagery here is visceral and hooked me quickly. With Manius rescued from the dead and nursed back to health, the author then takes us back in time for a while - on a journey through Manius' early years as a soldier, his rise through the ranks, then to the disaster at Cannae itself. But it is what happens after Cannae that is - in my opinion - the making of the protagonist. Cannae has hardened him and robbed him of any naivete. With a sharp eye for the finest details that can affect the outcome of a battle, he finds himself leading a vital 30-month campaign to quell the unrest in northern Italy - where many tribes threaten to roam southwards in support of Hannibal or simply make war against Rome themselves. Manius' adventures are absolutely packed with nuggets of battlefield nous and campaign strategy. As the author's note and the narrative itself show, Mr Timmes - a decorated and celebrated veteran - is clearly a master of this field. And I found it most interesting when the author indicated in places where the heroes, in the moments, days or even years after battle, might have suffered psychological phenomena, such as PTSD and Survivor Guilt, which we - ignorantly, in my opinion - consider as purely modern afflictions. I've read a few reviews of this work and noticed that one of the criticisms levelled at this story is its use of modern terminology. Indeed, Mr Timmes does use terms such as 0600 hours, yards, minutes and more and with great frequency. Now I can only give my own opinion on this approach - which is that I found it a little jarring at first, but then extremely helpful later on, especially when the complex tactical manoeuvres were stacked so closely together that vague terms such as 'late morning' etc, or historically-correct Roman times such as 'The Seventh Hour' would have been either insufficient or would have got in the way of the story's flow. Concisely, I think the author has chosen wisely here, offering accessibility at the slight sacrifice of authenticity. As the book progresses, Manius' adventures take him far from home, into modern-day Austria and to the edge of disaster. We have ambushes, tense night raids, shrewd deceptions, colossal battles and welcome dashes of wry humour from time to time. There are also elements of interesting and convincingly-portrayed speculation over inventions such as proto-stirrups and Gallic ballistae. All these ingredients comes together strongly as the Second Punic War reaches its climax and Manius faces his destiny against the tribes of the north. This is a unique read deserving of recognition both for the highly-enjoyable fiction and the hard work put into mining the facts which support it. All I can say is read it and see for yourself. ...more Book Reviews! Galbas Men by L.J. Trafford Release Your Inner Roman by Jerry Toner Empire Of Pleasures by Andrew Dalby Thomas A. Timmes is the author of the Legio XVII series. His fourth book, Legio XVII: The Eagle Strikes, was released in July 2016. Tom earned military and civilian awards including the Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Combat Infantryman`s Badge, holds a Master`s Degree in History, and is a member of the National History Honor Society. Gordon Doherty is a Scottish writer, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction. His love of history was piqued during spells living and working close to both Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall, sites of rich history winding back through thousands of years. The later Roman Empire and Byzantium hold a particular fascination for him. There is something quite special about the metamorphosis from late antiquity into the 'dark ages' and the medieval period. For more about Gordon Doherty and his novels, you can visit his site. Tell us your opinion - Submit your Review - Buy the book! Book Review of Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War - Related Topic: Roman Legion Bibliography Get it now! Legio XVII for the UK ________________________________ Archive

Book Review by Martin Holmes This book, awarded the 2008 Lakedaimonian Prize of the Academy of Athens, is political and military history at its best. In an era where the Spartans are idealised in popular culture through films such as 300 (2006) and 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) and, in contrast, are often dismissed or even derided by many classical scholars of the ‘Spartan mirage’ variety, Miltiadis Michalopoulos has provided a history of Sparta that is balanced, well researched, and fascinating. He takes as his subject neither the rise of Sparta nor its heyday. Indeed, at first glance its subtitle is liable to confuse: “the Rise and Fall of the Spartan Revolutionary Movement.” What movement? What revolution? In popular culture and in academia the Spartans are frequently portrayed as conservatives and traditionalists – rather dim ones, at that. Secluded in the southern part of the Peloponnese, perpetuating a centuries-old social system based on the teachings of Lykourgos that was foreign to the rest of Greece, and fiercely resistant to luxury, intellectual life, and cultural innovation, the Spartans make for unlikely revolutionaries. A major reason, most classicists think, behind Sparta’s decay was its inability to change. Michalopoulos agrees with this conclusion. The Spartans were indeed too conservative, he argues. Encumbered with an enormous population of helot slaves, suffering a continual decline in the number of homoioi to guard them, and a xenophobia bordering on paranoia prevented Sparta from dominating Greece for any length of time. But whereas many classicists trace the end of Spartan power to the third century B.C. – either with the Battle of Leuctra or the Macedonian conquest of Greece – treating later events as mere footnotes, Michalopoulos disagrees. For him, Spartan history did not end in the third century B.C.; neither the Thebans nor Alexander the Great invaded and destroyed Sparta. The Spartans, like Sir Winston S. Churchill two millennia later, knew that decline is not defeat and that defeat is not final. Well into the expansionist days of the Roman Republic groups of Spartans conspired and warred to restore the city’s prestige. In the Name of Lykourgos is the story of these latter-day Spartans. Finding themselves in an age far removed from that of their forebears, one in which the big empires – Rome, Macedon, Ptolemaic Egypt – dwarfed the old city-states of mainland Greece, and with their city’s prestige shattered by military defeats and helot rebellions, these Spartans desperately fought to keep their city afloat. This book contrasts their desire to restore the ancient ways of Lykourgos with the innovative, often radical methods they employed. Their methods were drastic: Agis IV (r. 245-241 B.C.), to boost the city’s manpower, enacted widespread economic reforms. All debts were cancelled; land was redistributed. Foreigners could bear arms and fight alongside the homoioi. For a short while the city was vibrant and hopeful. Yet traditional Spartans were stunned and, after only four years, Agis was executed. A generation later Kleomenes III (r. 235-222 B.C.) enacted wider, more radical reforms. He knew he was putting himself in danger but, at the same time, blamed Spartan complacency for the city’s decline. He too cancelled debts, redistributed land, and opened the army to foreigners and ‘inferior’ groups. Marching alongside an expanded and enthusiastic army, and celebrated as a champion of the poor throughout the Peloponnese, Kleomenes fought the rival Achaean League for restoration of Sparta’s traditional territories. In only five years he brought much of the Peloponnese under his control, including Corinth and Argos, and seemed poised to control it all. Eventually, however, he was defeated and died in exile. A generation later another king, Nabis (r. 207-192 B.C.), made a last-ditch effort to restore Sparta to its former glory. Helots were freed and armed, walls (for the first time) were constructed to defend the city, a navy was built, and money – the bane of traditionalists – was issued to boost the economy. He too had dreams of expansion and he too faced defeat, in this case at the hands of Rome and its Greek allies. In 195 B.C. Sparta was sacked and, in a bloody campaign, most of its warriors, including the king, were slaughtered. An account of these events is itself a worthy achievement on Michalopoulos’s part. The Spartan Revolution, occurring when it did, has been largely overshadowed by the exploits of Rome and Macedon. Certainly, those with an interest in Sparta will enjoy the book. So will anyone with an interest in Greek history, whether professional or amateur. Military historians may find the battles fascinating, not only because they are not so well-known, but because Michalopoulos is meticulous in his descriptions, having visited on multiple occasions each battle location, and provides readers with appendixes detailing the geography and military roads of the Peloponnese. It is as political history, however, that his book truly shines. Agis, Kleomenes, and Nabis were every bit as fascinating as Pericles, Marcus Agrippa, and the Gracchi; the economic and political reforms were among the most radical in the ancient world. His account of the small city state desperately trying to reassert its independence amid a changing world is probably the best of its kind to appear in recent years. ...more Book Reviews! Great Battles of the Classical Greek World by Owen Rees Ancient Warfare Magazine Vol XI Issue 3 The Rise and Fall of the Seleukid Empire by J. Grainger In fact, though it is convention for a reviewer to find something to dislike, in this case it is impossible. The subject is significant; the research, considering it was the author’s first book, was done well. Although a translation, it is not clunky, and there are no obvious spelling or grammatical errors. Perhaps the use of ‘k’s rather than ‘c’s in the names might confuse some readers but, being a Greek, Michalopoulos is well within his rights to spell as he does. The only downside is that the author is by profession civil engineer rather than an academic and, as such, might be unfairly dismissed by specialists. Hopefully this does not happen. For, if this is the quality of his first book, one cannot wait (and indeed hope) to see him write another. Miltiadis Michalopoulos was born in 1960 into a family with strong military traditions which originates from Sparta. He graduated from the Polytechnic School of Athens in 1990 with a BSc in civil engineering and currently works in that profession. He has had a life-long interest in history, particularly military history, and is a prominent member of local war gaming circles. His study In the name of Lycurgus is the result of ten years of intensive research into all available sources and repeated visits to the sites of the battles described in the book. Tell us your opinion - Submit your Review - Buy the book! Book Review of In the Name of Lykourgos: The Rise and fall of the Spartan Revolutionary Movement (243-146BC) - Related Topic: Roman Greek Bibliography Get it now! In the Name of Lykourgos for the UK ________________________________ Archive