by Raffaele D’Amato.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 56 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: 4th-5th Centuries AD
The arms, armor, and other equipment of Roman Army infantry and cavalry in the time period receive ample description. Of note is a heckuva OOB (p8 to p11) in small font of the unit type, unit name, location, and years of deployment. This might be the only time when I don’t mind such a small font.
Two items stand out: the finding of a helmet made out of crocodile skin (p40) and the finding of a camp stool in exquisite condition (p24), with photo on the page.
The booklet contains 46 color photos (including numerous period paintings and mosaics), one black and white photo, 18 black and white illustrations, and the usual central section of eight pages of color plates with 16 foot, seven mounted horse, and one mounted camel uniform illustrations. It’s all quite colorful, with the uniform illustrations taking inspiration from the color paintings and mosaics.
As this is the third book of the topic, if this is your interest, then the first two should also be on your list. The workmanlike prose descriptions may help you understand sculpts of your figures, but the illustrations can help you paint them in period colors.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
