01-12-2021, 01:18 AM
Renatus wrote:
I don't think that there is any comparison. As I read Polybius and Livy, the Roman and Carthaginian armies were an close proximity and Scipio led out all his cavalry and javelineers. This is a world away from dashing 250-odd miles ahead of his main army, through hostile territory, with just his personal bodyguard for protection, when the slightest mishap could have resulted in a whole province being left leaderless. This is not the conduct of a cautious general who liked to leave nothing to chance.
Can it be confirmed with certainty the distance between the main army and Suetonius was 250 miles? If Suetonius did make such a long journey with only his guard cavalry, it would not be the first time.