02-01-2007, 04:09 PM
What do you think of the major troop movements, Daniele? Obviously much of the limitanei were garrisoning cities in the Eastern provinces (Syria, Osdrohene, Mesopotamia etc) and would most likely wait in place for the expedition to reach their neighbourhood before joing it.
We know that Julian took Western legions with him. The Western Gallic army? All of it? Most of it? And the Eastern field army - I would presume that this bore the bulk of the Persian expedition since it required far less transport and relocation. Add to that the legions praesentalis accompanying the emperor (which Ammianus was presumably part of).
Although I believe the secondary force stood at 30,000 men and the main force stood at a little more than that (guess = 40-50,000 men??). Just on legions at full strength (maybe 1000 men) that adds up to well over 50 legions. Alternatively one could ask "what was left behind?"
hock:
We know that Julian took Western legions with him. The Western Gallic army? All of it? Most of it? And the Eastern field army - I would presume that this bore the bulk of the Persian expedition since it required far less transport and relocation. Add to that the legions praesentalis accompanying the emperor (which Ammianus was presumably part of).
Although I believe the secondary force stood at 30,000 men and the main force stood at a little more than that (guess = 40-50,000 men??). Just on legions at full strength (maybe 1000 men) that adds up to well over 50 legions. Alternatively one could ask "what was left behind?"
hock:
~ Paul Elliott
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
