In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire (Phoenix Press)

The book contains everything that one wants to know about the leadership of the imperial or republican Roman army; from formations of the legions to the training practises of each military unit of the day. The book is set in chapters in chronological order with each chapter about a famous general of the time (from Fabius Maximus 'the delayer' circa 200BC to General Belisarius circa 500AD). Though in each chapter Goldsworthy describes their triumphs and notable failures to trace the evolution of the Roman Army with supporting references from Livy and Plutarch rather than decribing their entire careers. Goldsworthy also successfully describes famous battles and wars such as the battle of Anctuim or the Punic wars against Carthage in terms of tactics and politics, this is a rare acheivement. Raise the 'gladii' to Adrian Goldsworthy, this is his 'Spolia Opima'!

Generals of the Empire (12/25 people found this helpful)

This book by young historian Adrian Goldsworthy invites us to marvel at the generals who made Rome the most powerful city in the world. If a general is only as good ad his opponent then Scipio Africanus is one of the greatest commanders in history. We travel with him as he overcomes the legendary Hannibal in the Carthaginian's own back yard after clearing his generals out of Spain. This book shows how Scipio, having achieved so much so young, retires and fades away into obscurity.

Those who follow pale by comparison, even Pomey the Great. We are introduced to Aemilius Paullus who was victorious in Macedonia and his son Scipio Aemilianus who destroyed the city of Carthage. This second Scipio had been adopted by the son of the original Scipio as was the custom in Rome. The tragedy for Paullus is that he had his first two sons farmed out for adoption only to see his remaining two die.

A magnificent chronicle! (48/49 people found this helpful)

In the Name of Rome chronicles the major periods throughout Roman history, from early republic to late empire. Goldsworthy does this in a series of sections, each devoted to a particular period.

The writing itself is detailed, yet it does not bombard the reader with too much information. The text is indeed saturated, but reading it is a pleasure. The diagrams which intersperse the text are informative, and easy to comprehend.

A word or two about the content is also necessary to highlight why In the Name of Rome is such an excellent book in general, and as a resource.

Goldsworthy blends the actual happenings of the campaigns with the political background, giving a wide overall picture of the "climate" at the time.

These are all important traits for any book. In the Name of Rome is special, in my mind, because of its versatility and accessability. It can be read by anyone, for almost any purpose, be it for study of for pleasure.

For those with an interest in this period of history or for those studying the Roman Republic and Empire then I would definitely recommend this title.

In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire (Phoenix Press)

Adrian Keith Goldsworthy

Reader Reviews:

An excellent companion for the military history student! (6/6 people found this helpful)

Generals of the Empire (12/25 people found this helpful)

A magnificent chronicle! (48/49 people found this helpful)

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