Calling all armchair generals! Boudica's Last Stand.

[Renatus]

Now this depends on whom the veterans you refer to are. I think Tacitus is referring to the third line men of the Second legion. The job of the evocati was to defend the camp, that is their charter. Therefore, it is the third line men of the Second legion that Postumus was worried about sending.

It depends upon who you say are the evocati and who you say are the 'third line men'. I believe evocati
are those who have completed their service and been discharged and then have, in effect, re-enlisted; you, I think, believe them to be those who have completed 16 years' service but have not been discharged. Actually, I do not think that we are too far apart on this point. I see the vexillarii as being the 16-year men plus my evocati. Their role is essentially defensive, to guard the camp but, if required, to take the field to repel an attacking enemy. On the other hand, I am not sure what you mean by the 'third line men'. I would see the entire legion going on campaign, leaving only the vexillarii behind at base.

I’ve been hesitant to go into this because of my poor understanding of Latin singular and plural.

I could give you a crash course on singulars and plurals, if you like.

Taking into account the oldest troops guarded the fort of baggage, by allocating the junior centurions to the triarii or the third line men would be a good way of introducing them into military service. Eventually they could be promoted to command the hastati.

Do you mean 'military service' or 'military command'. Normally, a centurion, however junior, would have seen several years' service in the ranks.

And here I was quietly thinking because of your age you could be senile.

Not yet, Ant . . ., Stev . . . What did you say your name was, again?