Men of Iron: The Roman Legion During Hannibal's War

Charles R. King utilizes his academic education in physics and classical history to apply an original quantitative and empirical face to the study of one of the most celebrated and feared elements in military history, the Roman Legion. Accessible to both the professional historian and the buff, this analysis enables the reader to approach the legion at the time of the Punic Wars from a new and different outlook and even argues compellingly against the predominant view that the legion fought in a checkerboard formation. The author utilizes primary sources and examination of the weapons and equipment of the legion to provide unique insights.

Charles R. King's specific area of interest has always been the Roman Republic period and the Punic Wars which have fascinated him since childhood. This work not only utilizes his education and academic background, but also takes advantage of his experience as a career military officer and of physical visits to many of the significant sites of the Punic Wars.