RELIGION AND CLASSICAL WARFARE: The Roman Republic

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Religion was integral to the conduct of war in the ancient world and the Romans were certainly no exception. No campaign was undertaken, no battle risked, without first making sacrifice to propitiate the appropriate gods or consulting oracles and omens to divine their plans. Explores the link between war and religion by drawing together the work of experts from across the globe. Aspects considered in depth include declarations of war, evocatio and taking gods away from enemies, dedications and ceremonies, the cult of the legionary eagle, the role of women in Republican warfare, omens and divination, live burials of people in times of military crisis, and the rituals of the Roman triumph. Contains 30 black and white illustrations.