An in-depth study of the Roman leader who helped keep the Dark Ages at bay. With the Roman Empire lapsing into chaos, Aurelian expelled the barbarians, reunited the empire, and inaugurated major reforms of the currency, pagan religion, and civil administration in the span of just five years.

This guide to the Late Roman Army focuses on the dramatic and crucial period that started with the accession of Diocletian and ended with the definitive fall of the Western Roman Empire. The origins and causes for the final military fall of the Empire are discussed in detail, as well as the influence of the barbarian peoples on the Roman Army.

The inspiration for the Gladiator films

Step into the ring with this classic, in-depth account of the ancient Romans’ obsession with the bloody and brutal games.

“If you can imagine a superior American sports writer suddenly being transported back in time to cover the ancient Roman games, you will have some idea of the flavor and zest of The Way of the Gladiator.” —Los Angeles Times

The ending of the Legio IX Hispana has been long unknown. New archeological technology has allowed for advances in the search to discover what happened to the legion. In this book, Simon Elliott explores all of the different theories.

“A seminal and landmark study.” —Midwest Book Review