Publisher's Synopsis
This companion to the author's authoritative survey Roman Infantry Equipment covers the long period from the accession of Diocletian (284) to the death of Heraclius (641), of which the central event is the end of the Western Empire in favor of Byzantium. Systematically, Stephenson looks at the evolution of the different components of armor and weaponry-helmets, shields, body armor, the spear, blades and bludgeons, missile weapons, and artillery. He also examines the tactical uses made of infantry, cavalry, and the shieldwall.
