03-26-2014, 02:58 PM
Quote:Ammianus actually described a unit facing this punishment, which the Loeb version I believe translated something along the lines that it was carried out in the 'old way'.
Ah yes, Ammianus 24,3,1 - this is Julian in Persia, who "following the ancient laws, discharged and put to death ten of the soldiers who had fled from the field" - so not true decimation in the traditional manner, whatever Julian might have thought! He was quite big on reviving the 'old ways' though...
Anyway, it's an interesting theory but I still don't think it works as a unit title, so we're back to the elevenses ;-)
Nathan Ross