03-16-2007, 08:32 PM
I've noticed that there are many infantry units mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum that have very specific weapon orientated titles, such as Funditores, Ballistarii, Lanciarii and the prima Isauria sagittaria ...
From my reading of both Vegetius and Maurice, the late Roman regiments seem to have been combined-arms units, with heavy infantry, javelin-throwers, archers and slingers all incorporated into a single file. The missile troops are stationed the rear of the fighting unit.
Lacking any further evidence, I'm thinking that these unit titles are fossils, preserved from past auxiliary unit weapon types. In the midst of the 4th century, these units were legions, pseudocomitatenses, legio comitatenses and legio palatina - heavy infantry units, with an archaic title (just as the British Army still has the Queens Royal Lancers, the Light Dragoons, the Grenadier Guards, the Queen's Royal Hussars etc.) Anachronisms.
There is no reason, following this train of thought, however, that the units could not still have particular skill and/or preference for those weapons.
Just a thought.
I just can't see much use for 500-1200 slingers in the Eastern Field Army ... but nowhere else in the Empire ...
From my reading of both Vegetius and Maurice, the late Roman regiments seem to have been combined-arms units, with heavy infantry, javelin-throwers, archers and slingers all incorporated into a single file. The missile troops are stationed the rear of the fighting unit.
Lacking any further evidence, I'm thinking that these unit titles are fossils, preserved from past auxiliary unit weapon types. In the midst of the 4th century, these units were legions, pseudocomitatenses, legio comitatenses and legio palatina - heavy infantry units, with an archaic title (just as the British Army still has the Queens Royal Lancers, the Light Dragoons, the Grenadier Guards, the Queen's Royal Hussars etc.) Anachronisms.
There is no reason, following this train of thought, however, that the units could not still have particular skill and/or preference for those weapons.
Just a thought.
I just can't see much use for 500-1200 slingers in the Eastern Field Army ... but nowhere else in the Empire ...
~ Paul Elliott
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
