From the rural settlement by the Tiber to the mighty Roman Empire - the expansion of Rome is spectacular. The decisive role was played by the effectiveness and organization of the military. However, the legions not only conquered a gigantic empire but also spread Latin culture and language. Eduard Nemeth and Florin Fodorean, experts in Roman military history, trace the developments of the Roman military from the citizen army of early Rome to the "barbarized" military of late antiquity based on the latest research. In addition to the organization and structure of the army, they analyze military strategies as well as great victories and shameful defeats, providing a compact introduction to Roman military history.