01-11-2006, 01:53 PM
Quote:Well... There is one theory that the Notiatia Dignitatum (that lovely medieval copy of the later Roman document of military units) itself may be little more than exaggerated propaganda or the other more bizarre theory (but not beyond the realms of reason) is that it was mis-iformation, intended to fall into enemy hands (A 'look at the size of our army' trick).
Ohh Dan! How could you! Anathema! ANATHEMA!
We do not doubt the holy scripture of the Nodititia Dignitatum, blessed are its worn pages...
Best remove that nice design from Britannia's shield (since according to another theory is was surely invented by a Medieval copyist with some free time) and go for a 'safe' Chi-Rho...
Personally, I don't give one penny though for such a theory. The ND is a dull piece of administrative listing, which only survived because Charlemagne's administration (or similar Francish civil servants) found it a very handy document to base their own military administration on.
I tend to think such minimalist 'doubt everything' theories are nice to discuss, but have very little scientific worth. :twisted:
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
