01-18-2021, 01:34 PM
Hello,
A recent Netflix show has just reignited my interest in Roman military history and so I come bearing questions. Rome's use of auxiliaries has always fascinated me and I was wondering, in the Principate, who was in charge of deciding which auxiliaries would be used in a specific campaign? And how would they decide whether or not to bring more units of archers or more units of cavalry etc.? Was there a general rule as to how many (and what kind of) auxiliary units should accompany a legion on campaign or on garrison duties?
I also have questions about the role of the praefectus castrorum. My understanding is that he was a lot like the modern quartermaster or logistics officer of the legion. But at the same time, he was a highly experienced centurion as well. So what would he be doing during a battle? Also, supposing his seniors were incapacitated, would he be in command of the legion plus the auxiliaries or just the legion?
Thanks!
A recent Netflix show has just reignited my interest in Roman military history and so I come bearing questions. Rome's use of auxiliaries has always fascinated me and I was wondering, in the Principate, who was in charge of deciding which auxiliaries would be used in a specific campaign? And how would they decide whether or not to bring more units of archers or more units of cavalry etc.? Was there a general rule as to how many (and what kind of) auxiliary units should accompany a legion on campaign or on garrison duties?
I also have questions about the role of the praefectus castrorum. My understanding is that he was a lot like the modern quartermaster or logistics officer of the legion. But at the same time, he was a highly experienced centurion as well. So what would he be doing during a battle? Also, supposing his seniors were incapacitated, would he be in command of the legion plus the auxiliaries or just the legion?
Thanks!
