The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire

Archival Summary & Scope

In *The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire*, defense analyst Edward N. Luttwak brilliantly dissects how Rome sustained its vast empire for centuries. He reveals how a sophisticated combination of military might, shrewd diplomacy, and an immense infrastructure of roads, forts, and barriers allowed Rome to repel constant threats at a manageable cost. Luttwak traces Rome's evolving strategies, from initial reliance on client states to a permanent frontier defense (c. 117 CE), and later, a "defense-in-depth" approach. This extensively updated edition incorporates recent scholarship and archeological findings, featuring a new preface on Roman imperial statecraft. A crucial read for ancient historians and strategists alike.