11-10-2020, 12:05 AM
But I do not think we can ignore Livy! His information is not perfect, but he actually tells us a lot more about Roman army strengths and legion counts than Polybius.
Also, Livy makes it very clear that most "5000+" legions have a paper strength of 5200 infantry in the Middle Republic: e.g. 39.38.11; 40.36.10; 41.9.2; 42.31.2; 43.12.5, 43.12.10 (compiled by Brunt 1971: 674). This number need not be fixed in stone, but it was common to the point of being standard.
Also, Livy makes it very clear that most "5000+" legions have a paper strength of 5200 infantry in the Middle Republic: e.g. 39.38.11; 40.36.10; 41.9.2; 42.31.2; 43.12.5, 43.12.10 (compiled by Brunt 1971: 674). This number need not be fixed in stone, but it was common to the point of being standard.
