Desert Legions: The Romans in Africa The River Nile and a thirst for commerce and land led the armies of Rome deep into Africa. Raoul McLaughlin investigates. Raoul McLaughlin | Published in History Today Volume 64 Issue 6 June 2014 To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.