Ebook: Killing for the republic: the Roman way of war

"This book describes how Rome conquered the world with citizen-soldiers. Like many expansionist states throughout history, Rome instilled something violent and vicious in its soldiers, making them more effective than their opponents. But unlike other civilizations, it did so with part-timers. The Romans perfected civic militarism in a way no other civilization has. It transformed average farmers into ambitious killers capable of conquering the Mediterranean"--;The soldier's farm -- The citizen's republic -- Origins : kingly armies of the Roman hills -- Proving ground : surviving in central Italy -- The greatest trial : beating your betters at New Carthage -- Triumph : phalanx killers at Pydna -- Questionable legitimacy : the ideal statesman's Battle at Mutina -- War stories for the emperor.