Between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD the traditional legions of heavy infantry were whittled away and eventually replaced by a force of various arms and nationalities dominated by cavalry and supported by missile troops. However, in spite of this trend towards cavalry, the pedes remained the backbone of the Roman army until well into the 5th century. This book details a warrior who was very different from the legionary who preceded him; perhaps he was not as well disciplined, but in many ways he was more flexible - ready for deployment to trouble spots, and for fighting both as a skirmisher and a heavy infantryman.

Historical Background · Chronology · Recruiting · Training · Appearance and Equipment · Conditions of Service · The Soldier on Campaign · The Experience of Battle · Glossary · Bibliography

Simon MacDowall is a professional army officer with a life long passion for history. His hobbies include painting military figurines and wargaming. He has lived in England, Canada, Germany and Belgium as well as seeing service in Central America and the former Yugoslavia. He enjoys good food and drink, travel, wilderness camping and writing.
Gerry Embleton has been a leading historical illustrator since the early 1970s specialising in the 18th and 19th centuries. An illustrator, and author, of a number of Osprey titles he has lived in Switzerland since the early 1980s.