The Roman Barbarian Wars : The Era of Roman Conquest

As Rome grew from a small city state to the mightiest empire of the west, her dominion was contested not only by the civilizations of the Mediterranean, but also by the "barbarians"-the tribal peoples of Europe. The Celtic, the Spanish-Iberian and the Germanic tribes lacked the pomp and grandeur of Rome, but they were fiercely proud of their freedom and gave birth to some of Rome's greatest adversaries. Far from reducing the legions and tribes to names and numbers, historian Ludwig H. Dyck reveals how they lived and fought, and what their world was like in "The Roman Barbarian Wars." Through his exhaustive research and lively text, Dyck chronicles the history of this tumultuous time, spotlighting particular battles and leaders with a discerning eye. Romans and barbarians, iron legions and wild tribesmen clashed in decisive battles on whose fate hinged the existence of entire peoples and at times, the future of Rome. Dyck tells of how early Gallic invaders crushed Rome's fledging legion on the Allia River, how the Celt-Iberians repeatedly outwitted Roman commanders in Spain, and much more. This exploration of ancient history offers a stunning window into the epic world of the Roman barbarian wars. "A great book that summarizes pieces of Roman military history that are often not mentioned or difficult to find sources for . . . an entertaining read."-- War History Online As Rome grew from a small city state to the mightiest empire of the west, her dominion was contested not only by the civilizations of the Mediterranean, but also by the "barbarians"--the tribal peoples of Europe. The Celtic, the Spanish-Iberian and the Germanic tribes lacked the pomp and grandeur of Rome, but they were fiercely proud of their freedom and gave birth to some of Rome's greatest adversaries. Romans and barbarians, iron legions and wild tribesmen clashed in dramatic battles on whose fate hinged the existence of entire peoples and, at times, the future of Rome. Far from reducing the legions and tribes to names and numbers, The Roman Barbarian Wars: The Era of Roman Conquest reveals how they fought and how they lived and what their world was like. Through his exhaustive research and lively text, Ludwig H. Dyck immerses the reader into the epic world of the Roman barbarian wars. "I was reminded, as I picked up this superb book, of that magnificent scene from Gladiator when they unleashed hell on the Barbarian hordes at the beginning of the film. Dyck has produced a book that celebrates the brilliance of the Roman commanders and of Rome itself from its foundation to its eventual demise."--Books Monthly "Dyck's details of ancient battles and the people involved provide as much sword-slashing excitement as any fictional account."-- Kirkus Reviews "His vivid prose makes for a gripping read."--Military Heritage Far From Reducing The Legions And Tribes To Names And Numbers, The Roman Barbarian Wars: The Era Of Roman Conquest Reveals How They Fought And How They Lived And What Their World Was Like. Through His Exhaustive Research And Lively Text, Ludwig H. Dyck Immerses The Reader Into The Epic World Of The Roman Barbarian Wars. The Dawn Of Rome -- Woe To The Vanquished: The Battle On The Allia River And The Gallic Sack Of Rome -- Telamon, The Battle For Northern Italy -- Viriathus, Hero Of Spain -- Numantia, Bastion Of Spanish Resistence -- Liguria And The Foundation Of Gallic Narbonensis -- Wolves At The Border: The Migrations Of The Cimbri And Teutones And Their War With Rome -- The Helvetii Invasion Of Gaul, Caesar's First Great Battle -- Ariovistus, King Of The Suebi -- Caesar Against The Belgae, The Bravest Of The Gauls -- Caesar's Grip Tightens -- Caesar In Britannia -- The Belgic Tribes Revolt -- Vercingetorix, The Last Hope Of The Gauls -- Decision At Alesia -- Onward To The River Elbe -- Death March Of The Legions: The Battle Of The Teutoburg Forest -- Germanicus And Arminius. Ludwig Heinrich Dyck. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The history of the 'barbarian' peoples of Europe is filled with dramatic wars and migrations along with charismatic and often farsighted leaders. Inevitably, their greatest challenge was their struggle with the renowned military might of Rome. Even when outnumbered and faced by better equipped and trained Roman legions, the barbarians could inflict devastating defeats upon Rome. Though sometimes fickle in battle, the barbarian warrior was capable of reckless bravery. The Romans themselves admired the size and strength of the barbarians, which, combined with a life of hardship and intertribal warfare, made them dangerous opponentsThis book, however, is as much about Rome as it is about its tribal foes. Ludwig Dyck begins with the foundation of the city of Rome and follows her growth into a martial empire, complete with its pageantry and glory, its genius, its brutality and its arrogance. All this is told in a fast-paced, accessible narrative style. [Elib] The history of the 'barbarian' peoples of Europe is filled with dramatic wars and migrations along with charismatic and often farsighted leaders. Inevitably, their greatest challenge was their struggle with the renowned military might of Rome. Even when outnumbered and faced by better equipped and trained Roman legions, the barbarians could inflict devastating defeats upon Rome. Though sometimes fickle in battle, the barbarian warrior was capable of reckless bravery. The Romans themselves admired the size and strength of the barbarians, which, combined with a life of hardship and intertribal warfare, made them dangerous opponents This book, however, is as much about Rome as it is about its tribal foes. Ludwig Dyck begins with the foundation of the city of Rome and follows her growth into a martial empire, complete with its pageantry and glory, its genius, its brutality and its arrogance. All this is told in a fast-paced, accessible narrative style Covers Rome's centuries-long struggles with the tribal people of Europe - Celts, Germans and Iberians. Clear, accessible, fast-paced narrative of the campaigns and battles.