Translated from the Latin by Lieutenant John Clarke

Text written in 390 A.D. British translation published in 1767. Copyright Expired

Etext version by Mads Brevik (2001)

• Introduction
• Preface to Book I
• Book I: The Selection and Training of New Levies
• The Roman Discipline the Cause of Their Greatness
• The Selection of Recruits
• The Proper Age for Recruits
• Their Size
• Signs of Desirable Qualities
• The Trades Proper for New Levies
• The Military Mark
• Initial Training
• To Learn to Swim
• The Post Exercise
• Not to Cut, But to Thrust with the Sword
• The Drill Called Armatura
• The Use of Missile Weapons
• The Use of the Bow
• The Sling
• The Loaded Javelin
• To be Taught to Vault
• And To Carry Burdens
• The Arms of the Ancients
• Entrenched Camps
• Evolutions
• Monthly Marches
• Conclusion
• Preface to Book II
• Book II: The Organization of the Legion
• The Military Establishment
• The Difference between the Legions and Auxiliaries
• Causes of Decay of the Legion
• The Organization of the Legion</li>
• The Officers of the Legion
• The Praefect of the Workmen
• The Tribune of the Soldiers
• Centuries and Ensigns of the Foot
• Legionary Troops of Horse
• Drawing up a Legion in Order of Battle
• Names of Soldiers Inscribed on their Shields
• Records and Accounts
• Soldier's Deposits
• Promotion in the Legion
• Legionary Music
• The Drilling of the Troops
• Machines and Tools of the Legion
• Preface to Book III
• Book III: Dispositions for Action
• The Number which Should Compose an Army
• Means of Preserving it in Health
• Care to Provide Forage and Provisions
• Methods to Prevent Mutiny in an Army
• Marches in the Neighborhood of the Enemy
• Passages of Rivers
• Rules for Encamping an Army
• Motives for the Plan of Operations of a Campaign
• How to Manage Raw and Undisciplined Troops
• Preparations for a General Engagement
• The Sentiments of the Troops should be Determined before Battle
• The Choice of the Field of Battle
• Order of Battle
• Proper Distances and Intervals
• Disposition of the Cavalry
• Reserves
• The Post of the General and of the Second and Third in Command
• Maneuvers in Action
• Various Formations for Battle
• The Flight of an Enemy should not be Prevented, but Facilitated
• Manner of Conducting a Retreat
• Armed Chariots and Elephants
• Resources in Case of Defeat
• General Maxims