Best resources on the Late Roman Empire/Western Empire?

Zioneer · Jul 10, 2016

Hey all, I don't have a timeline in mind, but I'd like to know the best resources, especially websites and books, on the Late Roman Empire (post-Diocletian at least) and the Western Roman Empire. Any resources on the Crisis of the Third Century, especially the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires, would also be appreciated. I want to know more about it, but I don't know much beyond Wikipedia.

Anything on the equipment, training, and composition of the Western Roman Empire's army would additionally be nice.

All Rounder · Jul 10, 2016

Zioneer said:
Hey all, I don't have a timeline in mind, but I'd like to know the best resources, especially websites and books, on the Late Roman Empire (post-Diocletian at least) and the Western Roman Empire. Any resources on the Crisis of the Third Century, especially the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires, would also be appreciated. I want to know more about it, but I don't know much beyond Wikipedia.

Anything on the equipment, training, and composition of the Western Roman Empire's army would additionally be nice.

What I can tell you is that by it's end, the armies were so ragged and poorly equipped they were comparable to the nomads in appearance.

Zioneer · Jul 12, 2016

All Rounder said:
What I can tell you is that by it's end, the armies were so ragged and poorly equipped they were comparable to the nomads in appearance.

Okay, thanks. Are there any sources that go over the army in particular?

Avrorrange · Jul 12, 2016

All Rounder said:
What I can tell you is that by it's end, the armies were so ragged and poorly equipped they were comparable to the nomads in appearance.

More appropriately,what army?Most of the army towards the end were just barbarian mercs.

Faeelin · Jul 12, 2016

darthfanta said:
More appropriately,what army?Most of the army towards the end were just barbarian mercs.

Honestly, there is no greater sign of decadence than accepting immigrants and having a centralized state that can pay salaries.

All Rounder · Jul 12, 2016

Zioneer said:
Okay, thanks. Are there any sources that go over the army in particular?

I looked, I could only find a Wikipedia page called the "Late Roman Army", which began after Diocletian's accession and a link to a page called The Late Roman Army - The Roman Military Research Society. Other than that I couldn't find anymore.

All Rounder · Jul 12, 2016

darthfanta said:
More appropriately,what army?Most of the army towards the end were just barbarian mercs.

Going to sound sarcastic, but it still classifies as a army.

All Rounder · Jul 12, 2016

Faeelin said:
Honestly, there is no greater sign of decadence than accepting immigrants and having a centralized state that can pay salaries.

Like the U.S.A?

Faeelin · Jul 12, 2016

All Rounder said:
Like the U.S.A?

Exactly.