Armies of Ancient Italy, 753–218 BC

From the Foundation of Rome to the Start of the Second Punic War

Gabriele Esposito

• Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781526751850
• eBook ISBN: 9781526751867
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Military & Maritime History
• Index: History

A military history of ancient Italy, featuring details of the weapons, equipment, and tactics, as well as color photos showing how warriors looked.
Before becoming the masters of the Mediterranean world, the Romans had first to conquer the Italian peninsula in a series of harsh conflicts against its other varied and warlike residents. The outcome was no foregone conclusion and it took the Romans half a millennium to secure the whole of Italy.
In Armies of Ancient Italy 753–218 BC, Gabriele Esposito presents the armies that fought these wars, in which the Roman military spirit and their famous legions were forged. He not only follows the evolution of the Roman forces from the Regal Period to the outbreak of the Second Punic War but also the forces of their neighbors, rivals and enemies. The most notable of these, the Etruscans, Samnites and the Italian Greeks are given particular attention but others, such as the Celts and Ligures of the North and the warriors of Sicily and Sardinia, are also considered. Details of the organization, weapons, equipment and tactics of each army are described, while dozens of beautiful color photos of reenactors show how these warriors looked in the field.
"Once more, a beautifully illustrated book, this time starting with the story of Rome from the Regal Period to the Second Punic War. The author follows the highly successful format of his books covering the late period of the Roman Empire.—Most Highly Recommended." —Firetrench
"An interesting look at all the people of the Italian era, but what really brings it to life are the countless full colour photographs of re-enactor groups in the correct armour and dress for the various tribes and regions they represent. Excellent production standards and a fascinating look at the history of early Rome." —The Armourer

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Copyright
• Table of contents
• About the author
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 The Foundation of Rome and the Army of the Early Kings
• Chapter 2 The Military Reforms and Campaigns of the Etruscan Kings
• Chapter 3 The Birth of the Republic and the Wars Against the Oscans
• Chapter 4 The Sack of Rome and the Conquest of Etruria
• Chapter 5 The Samnite Wars and the Reform of the Roman Army
• Chapter 6 The Pyrrhic War and the New Manipular Legion
• Chapter 7 The First Punic War and the Conquest of Gallia Cisalpina
• Chapter 8 The Etruscans
• Chapter 9 The Latins and the Peoples of Central Italy
• Chapter 10 The Gauls and the Peoples of Northern Italy
• Chapter 11 The Samnites and the Peoples of Southern Italy
• Chapter 12 The Greeks and the Insular Peoples
• Conclusion
• Bibliography
• The Re-enactors who Contributed to this Book