The growth and development of Rome's Empire depended on the success of her armies. In turn, this success was attained through vigorous training and discipline and through a sophisticated system of punishment (for the laggardly and cowardly) and rewards (for those who displayed outstanding ability and courage in battle). These decorations and battle honours of the Roman Army - which ranged from crowns to spears, armlets and medals - reached a sophistication paralled only in modern armies. This complex system is traced in this definitive study, from it's origins in the wars of the early Re[public to its decline in the late Empire.
