05-04-2008, 11:34 AM
Quote:I think that deserter idea is strange in the context.
I take your points, but I still think the term is rather ambiguous and he is talking about losses in general - dead, wounded, and perhaps those with "battle fatigue" or perhaps those who fled during, or after, what appears to be a defeat. Why can't men desert during battle, especially if they are at the rear of the battle line? Note Caesar BG 2.25.
Cheers,
R