Stratagems: The Roman Strategy at War - Softcover

Frontius, Sextus Julius; Renatius, Publius Flavius Vegetius

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0988953234 ISBN 13: 9780988953239

Publisher: Winged Hussar Pub Llc, 2013

Synopsis

Stratagems: The Roman Strategy of War is a combination of two ancient Roman texts, Stratagems by Sextus Julius Frontius from the first century AD and Concerning Military Matters by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatius from the fourth century AD. These classic surviving texts cover examples of ancient strategy for use by generals as well as the organization of the army in the later stages of the Empire.

About this title

About the Author

Frontius had a diverse career that includes experience as a soldier and engineer.  Of his works that have survived down to us, De aquaeductu, consists of two books reporting on the history and description of the aqueducts of Rome to the Emperor Nerva.  He served in the army in Germany under Domitian as well as in Britain. Stratagems consist of four books, three of which are accepted to belong to Frontius while the fourth has been in doubt. There are indications that Stratagems was written in conjunction with a now lost book on military theory.  Frontius wrote his book while Rome was at the height of its military prowess, but wanted to remind his readers of the worthies of history and the constant need to learn from their examples in order to keep the military strong.

On Military Matters (De Re Militari) originally consisted of five books, only three of which are presented here while the fourth and fifth dealt with the Roman Navy and Sieges.   Vegetius wrote his books when Rome was in decline as a military power, as a way to regain the might of the first century, but ignores the central problems of Rome’s civil wars and lack of martial spirit.  

Edition details

• Publisher: Winged Hussar Pub Llc
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0988953234
• ISBN 13: 9780988953239
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 292
• Editor: Rospond Vincent W.