05-30-2010, 04:41 AM
True.
The Roman army did not consist of "mostly Germans," but the later (post-400) Roman army did not consist of mosty Romans. The figure I've heard-- coming from the innacuracies the History Channel-- was one Italian for every hundred somebody-elses, whomever they might be. The figure can't be fully accurate, considering its HC source; but it might not be far off. Considering the two large recruitments, circa 382-383, by both Gratian and Theodosius, a high percentage of new blood came from the Goths, Alans, Heruli, Vandals, Gepids... three fifths being Germans. But the case is an isolated decade in a Roman millenium.
The Roman army did not consist of "mostly Germans," but the later (post-400) Roman army did not consist of mosty Romans. The figure I've heard-- coming from the innacuracies the History Channel-- was one Italian for every hundred somebody-elses, whomever they might be. The figure can't be fully accurate, considering its HC source; but it might not be far off. Considering the two large recruitments, circa 382-383, by both Gratian and Theodosius, a high percentage of new blood came from the Goths, Alans, Heruli, Vandals, Gepids... three fifths being Germans. But the case is an isolated decade in a Roman millenium.
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
