Anatomy of a rare defeat of the Roman legions

This test in English is an English version of the very good book in French by Giusto Traina published by Belles Lettres Roman disaster of Carrhae (53 BC.). The author, Gareth C. Sampson, begins his analysis with a comparative study of the rise of the Romans and Parthians in the East. It then addresses the smoldering war that mine, between 96 and 55 BC. BC, the relations of the two neighboring empires. The second half of the text is devoted to Roman offensive that began in 55 BC. BC and ends with the Battle of Carrhae story in itself. The latter is analyzed in all its dimensions, with a beautiful setting perspectives the fundamental differences of arms and military doctrine among the Parthians and Romans.

The narrative is lively and precise. He is accompanied by maps and many diagrams explaining the tactics of both armies as provisions on the conduct of the battle. The author also focuses extensively on the personality of Crassus. The whole forms a particularly fascinating and enjoyable book to read.