Roman Pilum Spear

The Praetorian Guard

By Arnold Blumberg

Its name has become synonymous with intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, and assassination. It was responsible for the overthrow, abandonment, or murder of 15 out of the first 48 emperors who governed Rome between 27 bc and ad 305. Read more

Roman Pilum Spear

Fight in the Fog: The Battle of Vercellae on the Raudine Plain

By Lindsay Powell

In 102 bc, a disturbing report circulated through Rome that the people they called Cimbri and Teutones had crossed the Alps. Read more

Roman Pilum Spear

Roman Legion: The Reforms of Marius

By Lindsay Powell

The basic unit of the Roman army of the late Republic was the legion, derived from the Latin word legio, meaning “military levy.” Read more