Because the Roman Army was so large, they had to be very serious about punishing those who broke the rules. For disobeying an order, a soldier would get as many as 200 lashes with a whip. And deserters? They were stoned or beaten to death. These penalties sound harsh in today's world, but they can tell readers a lot about life during the Roman Empire! Dreadful deaths and creative killings offer a unique lens through which to examine a major historical period. Cute, full-color illustrations offer a humorous look at a bleak topic and add interesting details.