The "manual" aims to provide the reader, the emperor and his generals in particular, with the tactical and strategic schemes that have lent years to the war machine of Rome. The art of Roman war should be a fundamental text for the formation of every modern military. The principles and dynamics described show how many tactics or strategies were already in use millennia ago.
The famous "to the enemy who flees bridges of gold" which today is interpreted to protect the defeated, almost as a chivalrous or humanitarian precept, was not so in Roman times. Even before the battle - explains the author - it is necessary to decide which will be the enemy's escape route, not out of magnanimity, but to better slaughter him once he is defeated and en route: a group of soldiers trapped in a gorge with no escape will sell their lives dearly. , while the prospect of escaping death will cause you to lose your position, the will to fight and your weapons. The troops sent in pursuit will find men defeated and above all from behind ...
Andrea Cucco
