07-25-2009, 03:52 PM
Quote:I am reading all this with interest - thanks!The more I think about this question, the odder it gets -- which, of course, is the sign of a good thread!
The first element that intrigues me is Keppie's figure of 32 regiments. Jona initially mentioned 17. Where did that number come from? Cheesman (Auxilia, p. 66 n. 4) notes that "there were at least thirty-two cohortes voluntariorum" (presumably, but not explicitly, based on the existence of cohors XXXII Voluntariorum c.R.), but listed only 13 definites and 5 possibles (p. 187). (Note that high unit numerals can been explained in ways other than an unbroken series of homonymous units.) Cichorius seems to have dredged up 7 possibles to make a total of 20. So were there really 32? Or 18?
The second element that intrigues me is the assumption that Augustus' hastily raised regiments should be cohortes voluntariorum. Dio in particular makes it clear that membership was anything but voluntary! Maybe they would have considered themselves to be voluntarii, though? To set themselves apart?
And thirdly, if they were composed of freedmen, why were they not to be mixed up with ingenui (free-born). Simple prejudice? And does the existence of a cohors ingenuorum alongside the cohortes voluntariorum civium Romanorum point up this subtle difference?
All questions and no answers ... :?
