Centurion-Macro

I am covering Legions of Rome now, and it is a very good book. It has easy to process information about what you need to know about the legions, and it gives information on every single Roman Legion and every major battle they fought in. So far, it is the most comprehensive book on the legions I have read.

Plataea was an important battle, because it beat the Persian army in a pitched battle. I am not an expert on the battle, but the Persians really did have no real chance of winning. However, it was an important victory for the Greeks, even more so than the more famous battles (Thermopylae and Salamis). But it is often played down in history.

I agree with this statement here. I guessed they must have known that at some time their empire would fall, but it would be long after their deaths - and so it would be not worth thinking about.

Happy birthday!

I would have to agree with the poster above. Caesar was a great politician, general and statesman - but he was no hero. He conquered the Gauls, slaughtered a lot of people just to get some glory. A lot can be learned from his battles and wars, and I enjoy reading about his battle techniques. But in my opinion, I think Gaul was better off without Caesar conquering it, and it was a sad day for the world when he did. So for me he is a smart villain, who you can learn a lot from.

I for one was surprised by this, but then again, I do not study the Later Roman Empire like I do the Republic and Early Empire. Very interesting story, thank you

Welcome to the forum you two I too am a big fan of the Eagle Series and HBO's Rome. You will fit right in here.

Happy birthday, may you see many more seasons!

Now that I come back to this thread, I think it would be very interesting to talk to Tacitus. That would be very interesting.

Aye, they both sound good. If you sent us some things from your lists that would be grand!

I would be interested in creating such a bibliography.

While he ruled for only a short time (thank the Gods) I believe that Vitellius should be added to the list of bad emperors. He was lazy, arrogant, self indulgent and completely useless. He ruled because he thought a "prophecy" said he should rule, and didn't really care about the people, just as long as they kept in line and kept giving him food.

I am currently reading Comrades: Communism, a world history. It is extremely interesting, but very deep. I think I will go back to fiction for a bit after I finish it.

The only thing still bothering me is how the posts look when you read them. They are totally unorganized and all over the place.

Bits and pieces .... Mussolini called it unreadeable driven, and he was right. It's available online, no reason to spend money on it. I haven't managed more than a few pages, it's unimaginably dull. Also, my copy is in German and in Gothic script, both of which don't help. Well in that case, I may have a glance at it, but if it is dull then I doubt I will read much.

Wow, these are some really great books. I will definitely be looking at the imperialism one, and the book on Marcus Aurelius.

The posts look all jumbled to me, with the profile pictures and all that not being in the right places. It makes the site less appealing. Also, I too am annoyed with the 'numbers' instead of the dates on new posts. I have also lost my avatar.

You have a very interesting idea for a novel. I myself would like to see (when reading) both a lot of political intrigue and lots of stuff going on behind the scenes, but I would also like to see the main character going to a far flung stretch of the Empire, and interacting with the legions. It would be great to see what they think of the Praetorian Guard. Of course you will have to research about Roman life at the time and the growing problems the Empire had. At this time, the Guard were very corrupt, and usually took bribes to kill and assassinate etc. It would be good for a 'good' Praetorian to be in their midst, along with a few good souls who he would befriend, both in the Guard and in the city of Rome itself. I would love to see a battle of political intrigue that would take the main character all over the Empire, as well as all over the different parts of Rome. It would be nice to hear a story of the Praetorian Guard.

I am wondering whether I should get a copy of Mein Kampf. I want to see Hitler's deluded thoughts more clearly, but I hear the book is horribly written. I don't suppose you guys have read it?

Welcome to the forum Danny, I shall take a look at those links now.

Reading a book on Vietnam for history class. It is interesting, and I am learning a lot, but I would rather read something about the Romans.

Did it have detailed information on civilian settlements and lifestyle as well as military information? ~I just started 'Colditz, The German Story'. It is a grand book so far.

I never expected to see a topic like this when I logged on today. Nice info!

So far I am liking it, although the map is annoying.

I think I will give this a go. I just joined, and I will let you know what I think. ~I joined and started playing, and it is alright. It was confusing to me, but I think it has promise.