Flavius Josephus refers to
epilektoi, elite troops, who were fighting bravely during the first attack on Jerusalem (
BJ 5.287), even though other troops were expected fight better. I have no idea what these epilektoi may have been. Anyone any thoughts?
If i remember well, they must be the 2000 picked soldiers from the egyptian legions taken by Titus at the start of the campaign.
Quote:If i remember well, they must be the 2000 picked soldiers from the egyptian legions taken by Titus at the start of the campaign.
Bingo! Yes. I've thumbed thru' the book again, and indeed, yes, they are mentioned in 5.43-44. They are replacements for troops that Vespasian had sent to Europe.