Fall Semester, 1996
Book Review #2
'Warfare in Roman Europe'
During the period of a.d. 350 - 425 the Roman empire was engaged in advanced forms of warfare. The history of Roman warfare during the late periods and during the medival periods has had much study. History of the Roman army of the 4th and 5th centuries is less comprehensive. The book 'Warfare in Roman Europe ad 350-425' provides some insight onto the important military and social aspects of the subject.
Economic and social factors play a part in the history of Roman warfare. Many barbarian tribes lived along the borders of the roman empire. Although many attacks by the Barbaric tribes occured, it was in the fourth and fifth centuries that the attacks began to overload the Roman defense. Many tribes existed with distinct similarities. It was their economic and social conditions that relate to the attacks on the Romans.
Many of the tribes were nomadic or semi-nomadic. Economic situations were a product of their environment. As the people moved their economic situation would change.
In the fifth century several groups of barbarians had moved inside the Roman empire. They had no formal recognition and no fixed home, but before this this the Barabrians had no land to farm, and no secure area. They had no need for urban life, unless they used Roman administrative institutions. The Barbarians only made a threat to the Roman empire when several groups united to form a stronger group. So therefore, it seem the barbarians were more a nuicense than a real threat most of the time because Roman Empire was so strong.
The Barbarians had their view of the Roman Empire as a place of opportunity. Because the Romans had so much wealth. Seems to be the reason for many...