01-26-2010, 12:56 AM
I found two ancient sources on tent materials one which appears to support the use of canvas tents!
Livy. ab Urbe Condita (English) [ Liv. book 5 chapter 2 ]
and oppression than the Veientines, for these passed the winter under their own roofs in a city protected by its magnificent walls and the natural strength of its position, whilst the Romans, amidst labour and toil, buried in frost and snow, were roughing it patiently under their skin-covered tents, and could not lay aside their arms even in the season of winter, when there is a respite from all wars, whether by land or sea.
Tacitus. Annales (English) [ Tac. Ann. book 13 chapter 35 ]
The entire army was kept under canvas, though the winter was so severe that the ground, covered as it was with ice, did not yield a place for the tents without being dug up. Many of the men had their limbs frost-bitten through the intensity of the cold, and some perished on guard.
AND
Tac. Ann. 14.38
The whole army was then brought together and kept under canvas to finish the remainder of the war.
Titus Livius (59 BC – AD 17)
Publius (or Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus (AD 56 – AD 117)
Perhaps there was a transition to the use of some canvas tents in the first century AD.
It sure would make it less expensive!
Livy. ab Urbe Condita (English) [ Liv. book 5 chapter 2 ]
and oppression than the Veientines, for these passed the winter under their own roofs in a city protected by its magnificent walls and the natural strength of its position, whilst the Romans, amidst labour and toil, buried in frost and snow, were roughing it patiently under their skin-covered tents, and could not lay aside their arms even in the season of winter, when there is a respite from all wars, whether by land or sea.
Tacitus. Annales (English) [ Tac. Ann. book 13 chapter 35 ]
The entire army was kept under canvas, though the winter was so severe that the ground, covered as it was with ice, did not yield a place for the tents without being dug up. Many of the men had their limbs frost-bitten through the intensity of the cold, and some perished on guard.
AND
Tac. Ann. 14.38
The whole army was then brought together and kept under canvas to finish the remainder of the war.
Titus Livius (59 BC – AD 17)
Publius (or Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus (AD 56 – AD 117)
Perhaps there was a transition to the use of some canvas tents in the first century AD.
It sure would make it less expensive!
John Kaler MSG, USA Retired
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
