03-01-2009, 01:08 AM
Hello all, my name is Jonathan or Jon in short.
Now onto the questions.
- where are you from?
Nova Scotia, Canada
- How'd you become interested in Rome?
Many reasons, I had never really been a "age of antiquity" enthusiast. I have however for as long as I can remember been a military-history enthusiast. So it was inevitable that I eventually realize just how much was taken from Rome in terms of tradition, customs, formation and grandeur. The catalyst of my recent interest was a lecture given by a colleague of mine who was speaking on the topic of "Life under Canvas, the British Army in Camp during the 18th Century". One thing that which was pointed out was that the actual camp structure of an army on campaign would change very little from those of the Roman Legions. There were differences but the structure itself would remain the same.
This peaked my curiosity, how could an army which hadn't marched in 1500 odd years ago still be so influential. Sure enough I did more digging and the Romans had foot drill, discipline & fighting techniques that stand to this day both in military and police doctrines. This is amazing because it show's the modernity of the Roman Legions. Had they Gun Powder they would go toe-to-toe with Frederick the Great's Army or that of The Duke of Wellington for that matter. The Hypothetical is a topic I generally avoid, I tend to stick with the facts but the comparison can be made that the ways of a Legion compete even with today's Company's, Battalions, Regiments & Divisions. Maybe "compete" isn't the right word, perhaps "if it isn't broke don't fix it" fits. If that does provide an answer then it shows just how amazing the Roman Army was, since it set a precedent that is followed not only in Western Armed Forces but in Western society in general for 1500 years and counting. That and I am a huge fan of the HBO/BBC Rome series, Jack Whyte's Camulod/Dream of Eagles novels. I could be totally "Out to lunch" with my post and some of my observations may very well be incorrect but that is why I am here to find these things out.
- why are you here?
I did a google search for "Uniforms in HBO series incorrect?" because although I absolutely love the series, I noticed several ugly realities about the costume design in the uniforms of the Legionaries. Its like they got the "idea" right but didn't pursue the tinier details a uniform junkie such as myself looks for.
- do you re-enact, are you a student, an academic professional, or..?
I do re-enact, mostly 18th Century French-Indian War period, I will provide a link to my Living-History website profile at the bottom. I want to go to school for Museum Studies & at present I am just a military history junkie, not an academic but dedicated to learning as much as I possibly can.
Now onto the questions.
- where are you from?
Nova Scotia, Canada
- How'd you become interested in Rome?
Many reasons, I had never really been a "age of antiquity" enthusiast. I have however for as long as I can remember been a military-history enthusiast. So it was inevitable that I eventually realize just how much was taken from Rome in terms of tradition, customs, formation and grandeur. The catalyst of my recent interest was a lecture given by a colleague of mine who was speaking on the topic of "Life under Canvas, the British Army in Camp during the 18th Century". One thing that which was pointed out was that the actual camp structure of an army on campaign would change very little from those of the Roman Legions. There were differences but the structure itself would remain the same.
This peaked my curiosity, how could an army which hadn't marched in 1500 odd years ago still be so influential. Sure enough I did more digging and the Romans had foot drill, discipline & fighting techniques that stand to this day both in military and police doctrines. This is amazing because it show's the modernity of the Roman Legions. Had they Gun Powder they would go toe-to-toe with Frederick the Great's Army or that of The Duke of Wellington for that matter. The Hypothetical is a topic I generally avoid, I tend to stick with the facts but the comparison can be made that the ways of a Legion compete even with today's Company's, Battalions, Regiments & Divisions. Maybe "compete" isn't the right word, perhaps "if it isn't broke don't fix it" fits. If that does provide an answer then it shows just how amazing the Roman Army was, since it set a precedent that is followed not only in Western Armed Forces but in Western society in general for 1500 years and counting. That and I am a huge fan of the HBO/BBC Rome series, Jack Whyte's Camulod/Dream of Eagles novels. I could be totally "Out to lunch" with my post and some of my observations may very well be incorrect but that is why I am here to find these things out.
- why are you here?
I did a google search for "Uniforms in HBO series incorrect?" because although I absolutely love the series, I noticed several ugly realities about the costume design in the uniforms of the Legionaries. Its like they got the "idea" right but didn't pursue the tinier details a uniform junkie such as myself looks for.
- do you re-enact, are you a student, an academic professional, or..?
I do re-enact, mostly 18th Century French-Indian War period, I will provide a link to my Living-History website profile at the bottom. I want to go to school for Museum Studies & at present I am just a military history junkie, not an academic but dedicated to learning as much as I possibly can.
- Jonathan H