11-08-2012, 07:38 PM
Quote:"lie poorly hid behind their entrenchments" - Tacitus "The narrow defile gave them the shelter of a rampart." _Tacitus....so they were on the ridge behind entrenchments
Ach, I dunno I dunno...
angustias loci pro munimento retinens means 'retained the narrowness of the place as a barrier'. No mention of ramparts or earthworks! That's just a translator's gloss.
As I've said, Roman tactics didn't favour defending field fortifications anyway, and Tacitus seems pretty clear that Paulinus was in the defile.
However, this doesn't rule CS out of my consideration - not at all. I just think you need to give up those entrenchments and move down into the valley a bit...
[attachment=5716]CS1.jpg[/attachment]
Or even push the Roman line right back into the western end of the valley, if you need more room:
[attachment=5715]CS2_2012-11-08.jpg[/attachment]
That would fit the description as I see it!
Nathan Ross