11-23-2010, 01:14 PM
We have to balance Vegetius' description of the composition of the ideal legione with what those at the time acquainted with them say. Is there any evidence at all of a Vegetius type legione made up of its component parts actually being deployed in the Late Roman period?
Well, we do have Ammianus claiming that the legiones were still made up of maniples, centuries and cohorts. We have papyri detailing payments during the 4th Century to cohorts etc. We also have Ammianus stating that the light infantry were stationed behind the lines, screening deployment, harrying the enemy and then moving behind the lines to support them. And we also have in one of Julian's Orations stating that unarmoured archers were stationed behind the Legiones supporting them. So, we have some sources well acquainted with military matters at least backing up part of Vegetius' description of the legione.
Well, we do have Ammianus claiming that the legiones were still made up of maniples, centuries and cohorts. We have papyri detailing payments during the 4th Century to cohorts etc. We also have Ammianus stating that the light infantry were stationed behind the lines, screening deployment, harrying the enemy and then moving behind the lines to support them. And we also have in one of Julian's Orations stating that unarmoured archers were stationed behind the Legiones supporting them. So, we have some sources well acquainted with military matters at least backing up part of Vegetius' description of the legione.
Adrian Coombs-Hoar
