Ross Cowan is a British historian and author specialising in Roman military history.

Education and career

Cowan studied at the University of Glasgow, completing an MA in classical civilisation in 1997 and a PhD in history in 2003. His doctoral thesis was on the Praetorian Guard and Legio II Parthica, entitled Aspects of the Severan Field Army AD 193–238.

Since earning his PhD Cowan has been an independent scholar, writing books on Roman military history for Osprey Publishing, Greenhill Books, Pen & Sword Books and Frontline Books. He is a contributor to Ad Familiares (Journal of the Friends of Classics), Ancient Egypt, Ancient History, Ancient Warfare, Archäologisches Korrespondenzblatt, BMCR, Classics Ireland, Historia, Medieval Warfare, Military History Monthly and Military Illustrated.

Cowan's research focuses on courage, heroism, glory and warrior culture in the Roman military. Cowan has noted his appreciation of heroic fantasy author David Gemmell. Cowan dedicated his 2007 work, , to the memory of Gemmell.

Publications

Books

  • Roman Conquests: Italy
  • Roman Battle Tactics 109 BC–AD 313
  • Roman Legionary 58 BC–AD 69
  • Imperial Roman Legionary AD 161-284

Select Articles

Hoplites

Arms & armour and military organisation in pre-Roman Italy:

  • . Revised version .

Battle Tactics

Centurions

Praetorian Guard

Roman Britain and the Ninth Legion

Roman Warriors and Single Combat

War Cries and Weapons Clashing

Later Roman Army

Various Roman Military

Charioteers

Scottish Warfare

Guitar Heroes

Photography

External links