08-12-2007, 06:01 AM
Hello all,
I've recently began looking into the so called 'Last Roman in the West', and I've been digging around but have yet to find anything definite about the primary historical source of his life. The closest I can get is Gregory of Tours' Historia Francorum, which apparently contains parts of Frigiderius' history. Is this the only source for the life of Aetius, or are there others?
Also, do we not what sort of military manpower Aetius would have had as Magister Militum per Gallias? As I understand it, by this point the Western Empire was composed of little more then Italy, Africa (until Boniface let the Vandals in), and pockets of Gaul. For the most part, and correct me if I'm wrong, Vandals had taken the Spains, and there were huge pockets of Goths living in Gaul. Illyria by the point I think was under the administration of the Eastern Empire. I think.
Could we have expected Aetius to have the full compliments of troops registered in the Notitia Dignitatum for Gaul, or would that just be wishful thinking. Is there any indication at all on just what sort of troops he commanded in terms of type and numbers?
Cheers,
Scott.
I've recently began looking into the so called 'Last Roman in the West', and I've been digging around but have yet to find anything definite about the primary historical source of his life. The closest I can get is Gregory of Tours' Historia Francorum, which apparently contains parts of Frigiderius' history. Is this the only source for the life of Aetius, or are there others?
Also, do we not what sort of military manpower Aetius would have had as Magister Militum per Gallias? As I understand it, by this point the Western Empire was composed of little more then Italy, Africa (until Boniface let the Vandals in), and pockets of Gaul. For the most part, and correct me if I'm wrong, Vandals had taken the Spains, and there were huge pockets of Goths living in Gaul. Illyria by the point I think was under the administration of the Eastern Empire. I think.
Could we have expected Aetius to have the full compliments of troops registered in the Notitia Dignitatum for Gaul, or would that just be wishful thinking. Is there any indication at all on just what sort of troops he commanded in terms of type and numbers?
Cheers,
Scott.
"What else then, is all of history, but the praise of Rome?" - Petrarch
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A. Flavius (Scott)
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A. Flavius (Scott)
