08-10-2016, 08:03 PM
one technical question to early republican legion composition. If i take numbers given by Livy and Varo during times when tribes were expanded (232BC), it seems that Class I was about 36% of all men eligible for Legions (excluding those for naval service, and equestrians). these 36% of men would be wealthy enough to have ability to buy good quality armor (definitely over 10.000 drachmae Polybius mentioned), while those in Class II and III would still be most likely able to procure armor of lesser quality.
Anyway, if 36% is well armored, and we exclude Velites who have no armor, who represent 28% of all infantry in the legion, it leaves us with about 1500 men out of remaining 3000, were from Class I. but of course, this is only valid for Telamon campaign and beginning of Second Punic war.. not with the losses at Trebia, Trassimene and Cannae.
(let me know if i made any logical mistakes with my calculations)
Anyway, if 36% is well armored, and we exclude Velites who have no armor, who represent 28% of all infantry in the legion, it leaves us with about 1500 men out of remaining 3000, were from Class I. but of course, this is only valid for Telamon campaign and beginning of Second Punic war.. not with the losses at Trebia, Trassimene and Cannae.
(let me know if i made any logical mistakes with my calculations)
Jaroslav Jakubov
