The Military Institutions of the Romans

Also known as "De Re Militari" (On Military Matters), this is the only handbook of Roman warfare to survive to modern times. Written when the power of the Roman empire was already waning, it was intended to educate a new emperor on the capabilities of the Roman legions. Vegetius touches on all military matters, including the selection and training of recruits, the importance of logistics and supply, how to develop leadership qualities, the maintenance of army discipline, the use of arms and armor, and various battlefield tactics. It is also the source of many military and political maxims still used to this day, including "He who aspires to peace should prepare for war," and "Few men are born brave; many become so through training and force of discipline." Copied and recopied countless times, it was required military reading until the advent of gunpowder, and has been carried into battle by kings and generals.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Book I: The Selection and Training of New Levies
Preface
The Roman Discipline: the Cause of Their Greatness
The Selection of Recruits
The Proper Age for Recruits
Their Size
Signs of Desirable Qualities
The Trades Proper for New Levies
The Military Mark
Initial Training
To Learn to Swim
The Post Exercise
Not to Cut, But to Thrust with the Sword
The Drill Called Armatura
The Use of Missile Weapons
The Use of the Bow
The Sling
The Loaded Javelin
To be Taught to Vault
And To Carry Burdens
The Arms of the Ancients
Entrenched Camps
Evolutions
Monthly Marches
Conclusion
Book II: The Organization of the Legion
Preface
The Military Establishment
The Difference between the Legions and Auxiliaries
Causes of Decay of the Legion
The Organization of the Legion
The Officers of the Legion
The Praefect of the Workmen
The Tribune of the Soldiers
Centuries and Ensigns of the Foot
Legionary Troops of Horse
Drawing up a Legion in Order of Battle
Names of Soldiers Inscribed on their Shields
Records and Accounts
Soldier's Deposits
Promotion in the Legion
Legionary Music
The Drilling of the Troops
Machines and Tools of the Legion
Book III: Dispositions for Action
Preface
The Number which Should Compose an Army
Means of Preserving it in Health
Care to Provide Forage and Provisions
Methods to Prevent Mutiny in an Army
Marches in the Neighborhood of the Enemy
Passages of Rivers
Rules for Encamping an Army
Motives for the Plan of Operations of a Campaign
How to Manage Raw and Undisciplined Troops
Preparations for a General Engagement
The Sentiments of the Troops should be Determined before Battle
The Choice of the Field of Battle
Order of Battle
Proper Distances and Intervals
Disposition of the Cavalry
Reserves
The Post of the General and of the Second and Third in Command
Maneuvers in Action
Various Formations for Battle
The Flight of an Enemy should not be Prevented, but Facilitated
Manner of Conducting a Retreat
Armed Chariots and Elephants
Resources in Case of Defeat
General Maxims

Dettagli