Promoting the study of military history through the art of tabletop miniature wargaming

The Roman Auxiliary Units of Britain

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by Simon Turney.

Hardback (6.5×9.5 inches). 284 pages. 2024.

As the title says, this offers exhaustive coverage of all things Roman auxiliary in Britain divided into three main parts.

The overview covers history, organization, origins of ethnic nomenclature, weapons, equipment, and fortifications. as the legions were accompanied by auxiliaries, this should help you think about scenario deployments.

Part II contains all known auxiliary units — Alae, Cohorts, and Irregulars — in Roman service up to 410AD. When I say all, I mean all — even ones mentioned in a single inscription. The info per unit depends on the archeological and written evidence and each uses the same format of history, officers, and inscriptions. This, too, will help you zero in on which auxiliaries were in Britain for a particular tabletop scenario.

Part III provides history of various fortifications, list of altars to various gods, and a timeline of British events.

The book provides 133 black and white photos, three black and white maps, and one black and white illustration. The photos are often nicely slotted to illustrate points in the text.

This is a magnificent survey of auxiliary units. It is limited to Britain and I would look forward to follow-up books on other geographical areas.

Enjoyed it.

— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood

 

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