03-02-2008, 10:42 PM
Regarding the estimated strenght of the roman army in C5th, I would say that it is impossible to ascertain. First of all, written accounts are extremely scarce and biased. Secondly, differences between roman, foederati and barbarian troops are probably a mere question of definition, not so much of composition. One can argue if for instance Aetius ever commanded a "roman" force. For all we know, his forces may have consisted of any sorts of troops, depending on availability and allegiance (Huns, Alans, Franks?). Although it is tempting to assume the continuing existence of the legions of old, albeit reformed and redeployed, as can be derived from the notitia dignitatum, there is no way of telling.
The losses incurred by the roman forces since Adrianopel were huge, and it is hard to see how the monies and resources could have been found (at least in the west) to rebuild a regular standing army. As much as the roman emperor had become a figurehead, so too must have been the case with the western roman army.
All in all, opposing forces tended to decrease in size. Arguably the largest battle in C5th (Huns vs. Romans C451) involved 60k to 100k combatants at most. The battle between count Boniface and Aetius was not more than a clash between their personal followers/ guards.
Aetius may have been the last true Roman in that he was the last roman in the west to operate on an imperial scale, however to its demise: trading Spain and Africa for Gaul and Italy.
The losses incurred by the roman forces since Adrianopel were huge, and it is hard to see how the monies and resources could have been found (at least in the west) to rebuild a regular standing army. As much as the roman emperor had become a figurehead, so too must have been the case with the western roman army.
All in all, opposing forces tended to decrease in size. Arguably the largest battle in C5th (Huns vs. Romans C451) involved 60k to 100k combatants at most. The battle between count Boniface and Aetius was not more than a clash between their personal followers/ guards.
Aetius may have been the last true Roman in that he was the last roman in the west to operate on an imperial scale, however to its demise: trading Spain and Africa for Gaul and Italy.
