07-22-2001, 06:01 PM
Salvete omnes!<br>
<br>
Over the last few years I've been getting interested in Roman military engineering (and yes, I've red Vitruvious, Vegetius - before the new translation came out - and the De Rebus Bellicis). What I haven't been able to find out is what sort of training an engineer would have; somebody like Anthemius, for example. I can't see that they could have got it all from books; did they learn purely at the feet of existing engineers? Even judging from Bitruvius they would have needed a better background in mathematics tahn most (particularly in Anthemius' time!) - what sort of studies would they need first? Where did they come from? Preumably the middle classes; but how did the ban on entering the army except at a very high level operate? Did it count as entering the army? If they moved away from their home town, what about permission to travel?<br>
<br>
Suggestions about where to look would be very much appreciated. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Over the last few years I've been getting interested in Roman military engineering (and yes, I've red Vitruvious, Vegetius - before the new translation came out - and the De Rebus Bellicis). What I haven't been able to find out is what sort of training an engineer would have; somebody like Anthemius, for example. I can't see that they could have got it all from books; did they learn purely at the feet of existing engineers? Even judging from Bitruvius they would have needed a better background in mathematics tahn most (particularly in Anthemius' time!) - what sort of studies would they need first? Where did they come from? Preumably the middle classes; but how did the ban on entering the army except at a very high level operate? Did it count as entering the army? If they moved away from their home town, what about permission to travel?<br>
<br>
Suggestions about where to look would be very much appreciated. <p></p><i></i>
