03-20-2017, 12:26 PM
(03-13-2017, 09:58 PM)Nathan Ross Wrote: We don't know to what extent the implementation of these instructions was in the hands of Decianus and Paulinus - nor whether those instructions were carried out too forcefully. But even the rape of Boudica's daughters might have been policy - to render them unmarriageable, and their portions of their father's inheritance (which would have passed to their future husbands) worthless. A deliberate act of punishment, rather than provocation.
If punishment was in the minds of the Romans I could see the actions at the Iceni court as a means to an end. But punishment for what exactly? Was Boudicca expected to hand it al over, both power and posessions? And if she indeed could expect that, why not rise up before the Romans could act against her and her family? Either the Romans are acting very heinous here, and/or the British are acting very innocent/unsuspecting. Both would fit Tacitus' modus of writing about evil Romans and noble barbarians. Just sayin'.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)