08-11-2019, 05:12 PM
May I offer my thanks too for a most useful study? It is particularly valuable in stressing that many of the sites suggested lack the defile that was so crucial to Paulinus' battle plan, preventing the rebels from outflanking him and forcing them to engage him on the same frontage as that dictated by his limited forces.
I agree with Nathan that Tacitus' description of the battle site is of a valley closed by woodland, not high ground, but I agree with you that it could not be across a through route, as the woods that protected Paulinus' rear would have prevented through traffic. Unlike you, I have still not managed to get to Tring but, when I do, I will be looking for a side valley off or near Akeman Street which may be open now but which could have been closed by woodland in Roman times. As I have said before, I regard Tring as an area, not a specific location, and there appear to be a number of possibilities in the vicinity.
I agree with Nathan that Tacitus' description of the battle site is of a valley closed by woodland, not high ground, but I agree with you that it could not be across a through route, as the woods that protected Paulinus' rear would have prevented through traffic. Unlike you, I have still not managed to get to Tring but, when I do, I will be looking for a side valley off or near Akeman Street which may be open now but which could have been closed by woodland in Roman times. As I have said before, I regard Tring as an area, not a specific location, and there appear to be a number of possibilities in the vicinity.
Michael King Macdona
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)