what is the all time best historical fiction of Roman Army?

[arklore70]

While Dando Collins is easy to read a few things do bug me about his works and they need to be considered when reading them.

1. Nothing he states is ever foot noted or end noted.

2. He makes a few assumptions that I have not seen anywhere, most notably the concept that a Legion enlisted all of its men once and only once and didn't do another re enlistment until all members had been discharged at the end of their 16-20 year service obligation. When you figure in battle deaths, accidents, disease,.it would seem to me that after only 2-3 years a unit could be quite combat ineffective, and by that I mean 70% or less of its authorized strength level.

3. Mis matches Legions as to whose side they were on during the Civil Wars period; most notably Legio VI Ferrata. Makes a claim that they were all the first to wear the Lorica Segmentata, and thus why they got that title. (Cleopatra's Kidnappers)

4. States that the size of a Century was 100 men still at the time of Caesar.

None of the above stated things I found in his writings can tell me what source he is using to make these statements. Since I hold a BA in History, and a Masters Degree in Military Operational Art and Science it really calls in my mind his credibility.

That said,..I do enjoy the fact that he attempts to get into the thought and decision making processes of the leaders and troopers. Iy does give a bit of a better feel of the times. In this case, I agree it is fictional, and it is enjoyable to read.

Cheers!!

Mike

That said,..