The success of the Roman empire was largely due to the prowess of the legions but, likewise, a dissatisfied military was also responsible for some of the greatest threats to the empire's unity. This study provides a readable and straightforward assessment of the Roman army and, in particular, the relationship between soldiers, their imperial commanders and the citizens they were supposed to protect, from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. These centuries were marked by expansion and civil unrest as parts of the empire were treated less favourably than others and soldiers were not repaid. Santosuosso also looks at Augustus' successful attempts to reorganise the army, the mutual dependence of the emperor and his armies that followed, the daily life and equipment of soldiers, landmark battles and particular opponents. Finally, the study examines the defeat of the Roman army at the hands of a succession of invaders. Read Less