by William Horsted.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 80 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: Rome’s Civil War 49-45 BC
Subtitle: Combat 82
I admit to being baffled about why this book exists. The two forces were just about identical in terms of individual soldiers. Even the author notes “in most respects the armies of the two sides…were indistinguishable” (p8).
Don’t get me wrong — the text details the arms, armor, and equipment and if you didn’t know anything about the Roman Civil War legionnaires, this is a great overview.
Yet it’s the three battles covered that make the booklet: Dyrrachium (Jul 10, 48 BC), Thapsus (April 6, 46 BC), and Munda (March 17, 45 BC). I’ve reviewed books that deal with those battles in detail, but for an overview, Combat 82 hits all the high points.
The booklet contains 54 color photos, one black and white photo, four color uniform illustrations, four color maps, two color diagrams, and three color two-page action illustrations.
Enjoyed it.
–Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
