Very New light on roman tents construction

[Caballo]

Firstly, use of guy ropes is not incompatible with this alternative way of holding up the central ridge, as they could be used to create the "wall"- either with or without internal support poles/ furcas.

Secondly, this method would be both more stable and simple to put up. The poles could be locally sourced, transported on the mule or even - as a possibility- using spare hasta.

Thirdly, it is compatible with other Roman tent depictions outside Trajans column- I am unaware of any wall tent depictions with a central pole. There are several " dog tent " depictions with a central pole however in Late sources.

Finally, I don't think this is not a question of "make your mind up", but of debating alternatives to see what could or would work, based around the evidence, both material and iconographic, including Trajan's Column.