The Encyclopedia of the Roman Army

[mcbishop]

I read the sample section on “Origins of the Roman Army by Giambattista Cairo” and from what I read all Cairo is doing is discussing are the theories of Fraccaro and then Sumner’s ridiculous paper “The legion and the centuriate organization JRS 60 : 67 – 78.”

I feel it important to point out, for those who may not realise, that that paper was written by G.V. Sumner, not our Graham Sumner (who would only have been 12 at the time; prodigy he may be, but even he is not that precocious!).

Is this what you get for your money, one person discussing another person’s work? This explains why I know so many people who refuse to buy books on the Roman legion…they're sick of the same claptrap.

What, even the Dando-Collins book? Gosh, I'm now wondering if I should take it off my Christmas list... ;-)

Mike Bishop