ROME RULES THE WAVES: A Naval Staff Appreciation of Ancient Rome's Maritime Strategy 300 BCE - 500 CE

1-222890

Revises the commonly-held view of Rome's naval history essentially ended at Actium in 31 BC, which left Rome with no rivals at sea just as the Republican period gave way to the Empire. Appraises the crucial role of both the Roman imperial navy and the steep learning curve of its predecessor, the naval forces of the Roman Republic. Contends sea power is the steadfast exertion of command of the sea lanes to project trade, suppress piracy, transport troops and supplies, and protect land-based military garrisons and expeditions. This grand-strategical survey treats Roman naval power as an instrument to support Roman imperial policy. Applies modern naval strategic theory to Roman naval operations. Includes 20 black and white illustrations.

Appendices will include scale drawings of the various ship types discussed in the text with their characteristics displayed in tabular form, several maps illustrating the maritime factors of the empire, and a resume of maritime exploration and discoveries in Roman times.