03-28-2014, 02:22 AM
I’ve been working through some of the army numbers on Robert’s web site. The four differing figures given for Procopius army in Persia in 363 AD grabbed my interest. What I’ve done is compare the army numbers to my research to determine if a pattern could be established. It has (for me) proven interesting.
Malalas figure of 16,000 men relates to the number of Roman infantry and cavalry.
Zosimus figure of 18000 men relates to the Roman infantry, cavalry and all the officers.
Orosius’ figure of 20,000 men relates to the Roman infantry, cavalry, all the officers plus the artillerymen.
Ammianus’ figure of 30,000 men relates to the Roman infantry as given above in Orosius’ 20,000 men, but it could be that Ammianus has also included the auxiliaries that could have been omitted from Malalas, Zosimus and Orosius.
Malalas figure of 16,000 men relates to the number of Roman infantry and cavalry.
Zosimus figure of 18000 men relates to the Roman infantry, cavalry and all the officers.
Orosius’ figure of 20,000 men relates to the Roman infantry, cavalry, all the officers plus the artillerymen.
Ammianus’ figure of 30,000 men relates to the Roman infantry as given above in Orosius’ 20,000 men, but it could be that Ammianus has also included the auxiliaries that could have been omitted from Malalas, Zosimus and Orosius.