{"title":"Richard Abdy","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the fascinating works of Richard Abdy in our carefully curated collection of history and military books. Richard Abdy is a renowned author and scholar, known for his insightful explorations of Roman history. His works offer readers a detailed look into the life and times of the Roman Empire, making complex historical narratives accessible and engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout titles in this collection is \u003cem\u003eLegion: Life in the Roman Army\u003c\/em\u003e, a captivating exploration of the daily lives of Roman soldiers. Through meticulous research and skilled storytelling, Abdy transports readers back in time, providing a vivid portrayal of the military might that shaped the ancient world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a history enthusiast or new to the subject, Richard Abdy's books provide an enriching journey into the past, offering both educational value and narrative immersion. Delve into these engaging reads and discover the enduring legacy of ancient Rome.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"legion-life-in-the-roman-army-by-richard-abdy-9780714122939","title":"Legion: life in the Roman army","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLegion: Life in the Roman Army\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful, lasting depiction, providing a unique perspective on the Roman army. Mary Beard praises it as offering \"a very different view of the Roman army,\" while Terry Deary, author of \u003cem\u003eHorrible Histories\u003c\/em\u003e, describes it as \"erudite, entertaining and eloquent.\" According to \u003cem\u003eClassics for All\u003c\/em\u003e, it is \"splendidly direct, clear and jargon-free,\" providing a comprehensive account unlikely to be surpassed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Roman army's scale and organisation were unprecedented in the ancient Western world. This book details the everyday aspects of army life during the Roman Empire's zenith—from life in a tent to the food soldiers consumed—and explains its hierarchy, roles, equipment, and place in a vast, multiethnic society divided between citizens and subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Roman army is often immortalised in heroic art and screen epics, \u003cem\u003eLegion: Life in the Roman Army\u003c\/em\u003e reveals what life was truly like for an ordinary soldier. The book explores daily life, including the experiences of women and enslaved people, through various rare objects and testimonies. These include letters from Apion and Terentianus, young Egyptian soldiers writing home to their families, the tombstone of 4-year-old Vacia, a poignant reminder of children's presence near forts, the remains of a soldier found at Herculaneum, killed in the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, and a board game played by soldiers in their spare time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHuman experiences are set within the first three centuries of the common era, widely recognised as the Roman army's heyday. During this period, forces were divided into legions of citizen-only troops and auxiliary units of non-citizen troops, with the latter offered a possibility for citizenship and social advancement after approximately 25 years of service. The book not only describes the social dynamics within the army but also addresses its violent reality for both civilians and troops, examining battle tactics, weaponry, and the risks convicted soldiers faced, including the possibility of becoming amphitheatre entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative travels from the deserts of North Africa to the chilling climes of Scotland, detailing the gruesome life of a medic and the loving correspondence between friends. Readers gain a vivid picture of life in the Roman army, encompassing both spectacular and ordinary experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePraise for the British Museum \u003cem\u003eLegion: Life in the Roman Army\u003c\/em\u003e exhibition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Times\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTelegraph\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGuardian\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvening Standard\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTime Out\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46849463779564,"sku":"9780714122939","price":110.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6530213482442.jpg?v=1759046158"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/richard-abdy.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}