03-26-2014, 02:41 PM
Quote:ValentinianVictrix post=353149 Wrote:Undecimani is an indication that said unit... did not have to face the old system of 'decimani'
Wouldn't that be indecimati or something? In any case, it sounds an odd theory - very few legions were ever actually decimated, and those way back in the days of the republic, so the distinction would mean little (and 'unpunished' does not mean 'unconquered')... Where did you hear of this, Adrian?
I'd still go with this being a numerical reference - all secondary sources I've come across seem to agree.
Its information I came across in one of my many reference books Nathan. Ammianus actually described a unit facing this punishment, which the Loeb version I believe translated something along the lines that it was carried out in the 'old way'. I've not got any of my books to hand at the moment to check any of this out.
Adrian Coombs-Hoar