Simon’s novels have been published in the USA and in translation all around the world.

To find out more about Simon Scarrow and his novels, visit www.scarrow.co.uk and www.catoandmacro.com.

By Simon Scarrow

The Roman Series

Under the Eagle

The Eagle’s Conquest

When the Eagle Hunts

The Eagle and the Wolves

The Eagle’s Prey

The Eagle’s Prophecy

The Eagle in the Sand

Centurion

The Gladiator

The Legion

Praetorian

The Blood Crows

The Wellington and Napoleon Quartet

Young Bloods

The Generals

Fire and Sword

The Fields of Death

Sword and Scimitar

Arena

The Gladiator Series

Gladiator: Fight for Freedom

Gladiator: Street Fighter

Gladiator: Son of Spartacus

Praise for Simon Scarrow’s novels of the Roman Empire:

‘I really don’t need this kind of competition . . . It’s a great read’ Bernard Cornwell

‘Rollicking good fun’ Mail on Sunday

‘Scarrow’s [novels] rank with the best’ Independent

‘[Simon Scarrow] blends together the historical facts and characters to create a book that simply cannot be put down . . . Highly recommended’ Historical Novels Review

‘A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp . . . perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff!’ Good Book Guide

‘A fast-moving and exceptionally well-paced historical thriller’ BBC History Magazine

Ad meus plurimus diutinus quod optimus amicus,
Murray Jones

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE ROMAN ARMY

The Fourteenth Legion, like all legions, comprised five and a half thousand men. The basic unit was the century of eighty men commanded by a centurion. The century was divided into eight-man sections which shared a room together in barracks and a tent when on campaign. Six centuries made up a cohort, and ten cohorts made up a legion, with the first cohort being double size. Each legion was accompanied by a cavalry contingent of 120 men, divided into four squadrons, who served as scouts and messengers. In descending order, the main ranks were as follows:

The Legate was a man from an aristocratic background. Typically in his mid-thirties, the legate commanded the legion for up to five years and hoped to make something of a name for himself in order to enhance his subsequent political career.

The Camp Prefect would be a grizzled veteran who would previously have been the chief centurion of the legion and was at the summit of a professional soldier’s career. He was armed with vast experience and integrity, and to him would fall the command of the legion should the legate be absent or hors de combat.

Six tribunes served as staff officers. These would be men in their early twenties serving in the army for the first time to gain administrative experience before taking up junior posts in civil administration. The senior tribune was different. He was destined for high political office and eventual command of a legion.

Sixty centurions provided the disciplinary and training backbone of the legion. They were handpicked for their command qualities and a willingness to fight to the death. Accordingly, their casualty rate far exceeded other ranks’. The most senior centurion commanded the first century of the first cohort and was a highly decorated and respected individual.