Written by a leading ancient historian, this book is an insightful guide to the development of the Roman army from a civilian fighting force to the juggernaut of imperial power.

The Roman Legions were the most highly organized troops of the ancient world, but the process of turning the Legions into the professional force that built an empire was no small feat.

Focusing on the organisational changes in the Roman Army during the Civil Wars, Nic Fields examines the role played by Caius Marius and his far-reaching reforms. With the nuts and bolts detail integral to the Battle Orders series, this is an intriguing description of how the Roman army grew, modernised, rebelled and finally helped build an empire, complete with full organisational charts, photographs and detailed maps.