For four centuries, from the civil wars of the Late Republic to Constantine's bloody reunification of the Empire, elite corps of guardsmen were at the heart of every Roman army. Whether as bodyguards or as shock troops in battle, the fighting skills of praetorians, speculatores, singulares and protectores determined the course of Roman history. This title details the changing nature of these units, their organization and operational successes, and failures from their origins in the late Republic through to their unsuccessful struggle against Constantine the Great. “Excellent artwork by Seán Ó Brógáin enlivens author Ross Cowan's informative narrative in Roman Guardsman 62 BC-AD 324. Cowan chronicles how the fighting abilities of praetorians, speculatores, singulares and protectores serving as shock troops or bodyguards influenced the course of Roman history. The author outlines the nature of these troops and how they changed. Also examined are their organization, varied appearance, weapons and equipment. In addition, Cowan concisely covers guardsmen's operational successes and failures, from their beginnings in the Late Republic to their climactic losing battle against Constantine the Great.” ― Toy Soldier and Model Figure magazine “... a very interesting read about a subject that often fires the imagination but about which few really know.” ― Scott Van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com Dr Ross Cowan is a British author and historian. He is a specialist in Roman warfare and makes occasional forays into Scottish military history. For more information, and examples of his work, please visit independent.academia.edu/RossCowan Seán Ó'Brógáin lives and works in Donegal, Ireland. He has a BA (Hons) in Scientific and Natural History illustration from Lancaster University, and has worked for a wide range of clients. In addition to his stunning work for Osprey Publishing, he has collaborated with the University of Manchester, An Post, the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Office of Public Works and a variety of media companies, museums, councils and private individuals. Reference Book Osprey Warrior Roman Guardsman 62 BC-AD 324 #170