Description
Book SynopsisMeticulously researched, this book examines the evidence for the post-Roman military forces of France and Britain during the ''Dark Ages'', reconstructing their way of life and the battles they fought in compelling detail.The collapse of the former Western Roman Empire during the so called ''Dark Ages'' c. AD 410 was gradual and piecemeal. Out of this vacuum arose regional tribes and leaders determined to take back kingdoms that were theirs and oust any Roman presence for good. However, the Roman guard was tenacious and survived in small pockets that emerged in both Gaul and Britain. These areas of Romano-Celtic resistance held out against the Saxons until at least the mid 6th century in Britain and against the Visigoths and the Merovingian Franks until the late 8th century in France.Drawing on archaeological finds, contemporary sculpture and manuscript illuminations, Dr Raffaele D'Amato presents contemporary evidence for 5th to 9th-century Gallic and British ''Dark Age'' armies
Trade ReviewOverall, a handy book, which wargamers will find particularly helpful. * The Balkan Wargamer *
All in all for such a short book this is an insightful look at the history of the military forces, weapons, artefacts, personalities and warfare techniques of this period. * Army Rumour Service *
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION Sub-Roman and post-Roman - Sources SELECT CHRONOLOGY POST-ROMAN GAUL Historical background: the
Patricii - Armorica - The
Arborychi - Southern Gaul Military organization - Armies of the
Patricii - Armorica and Brittany - Post-Roman enclaves and cities POST-ROMAN BRITAIN Historical background: the warlords - Ambrosius - Arthur Kingdoms - Bryneichn - Reghed and Cumbria - Elmet - Gododdin - Strathclyde - Gwynedd, Dyfed and Powys - Dumnonia - Other Romano-British enclaves Military organization - Warlord armies - Romano-British kingdoms - Teulu, Gosgordd and Nifer - Size of armies EQUIPMENT, ARMS & CLOTHING Gallo-Roman
Patricii armies - Helmets - Body armour - Weapons - Other equipment - Military dress - Germanic equipment Brittany and Armorica - Helmets - Armour and shields - Weapons - Horse equipment - Military dress British warlord armies - Helmets - Body armour - Shields - Military belts - Weapons: Spears - Swords - Daggers and knives - Axes Cavalry warfare and equipment - Standards Post-Roman kingdoms - Helmets - Armour - Shields - Weapons - Cavalry warfare - Military dress SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
