Smoking Romans...

[Tarbicus]

just as they were severe about the use of alcohol affecting said duties.

By that do you mean when on guard duty, or building a bridge, etc? Alcohol has been a common 'soother of nerves' before battle for centuries (Dutch courage, rum, etc). I'd be interested to see anything published that demonstrates booze or even drugs were strictly prohibited in the Roman ranks before battle, especially if before battle it could make them a gang of 'mentalists who knew no fear' :wink: . If there's no clear evidence, the subject's surely an open one. Given the behaviour of Roman soldiers in battle let's just say I wouldn't be surprised at all if it transpired that booze played some part, even if only minor.