09-17-2022, 01:11 PM
I cannot comment on the Latin words used and their translation. That said a "defile" is normally a narrow passage through mountains. If I was to ally that to "tongue" then I would picture the chosen site as being a valley wider at the Tribal end than it is at the Roman end. The flanking hills must have been some sort of constraining ground otherwise the tribal forces would have been able extend and outflank the Romans given the disparity in strengths. Whether Tacitus had a good picture of the ground in his mind we do not know but he did know Agricola (father in law) who may have been an eye-witness and if not almost certainly knew many. Veterans often delight in telling tales, if exaggerated or "improved".
On the subject of fortifications, Roman battle drills included making a marching camp each night on campaign. So it is likely that somewhere behind the Romans there was a marching camp which would have had a ditch, embankment and palisade. Probably on the other side of the forest that is quoted as being behind his line.
On the subject of fortifications, Roman battle drills included making a marching camp each night on campaign. So it is likely that somewhere behind the Romans there was a marching camp which would have had a ditch, embankment and palisade. Probably on the other side of the forest that is quoted as being behind his line.
Alan
Lives in Caledonia not far from the Antonine Wall.
Lives in Caledonia not far from the Antonine Wall.
