The Auxilia of the Roman Imperial Army

A historical account written in the early 20th century. This scholarly work explores the auxiliary forces of the Roman army, delving into their organization, recruitment, and role within the Empire's military structure, particularly during the first two centuries A.D. The book aims to fill a gap in military history scholarship, addressing the complexities and implications of employing auxiliary troops drawn from subject races alongside Roman legions. The opening of the work introduces the subject matter, emphasizing the lack of comprehensive studies on Roman auxilia prior to this publication. Cheesman sets the stage for a thorough examination of how the auxiliary forces evolved from the Republican period into the imperial army, while acknowledging the foundational reforms instituted by Augustus. He suggests that while auxiliary units were integral to Roman military success, their historical significance extends beyond mere military organization to broader social and political implications within the Empire. This foundational perspective prepares the reader for a detailed exploration of the auxiliary troops' characteristics, structures, and the critical roles they played in maintaining the Empire's expansive borders.