03-01-2011, 07:31 AM
We simply don't know. All speculation on the subject comes from this comment of the late Roman writer Vegetius:
What this mark was, where it was placed ( the back of the hand is often suggested, but all is guesswork), and whether it only applied to the soldiers of Vegetius' own day are all unknown......
Quote:"The recruit however, should not receive the 'military mark' as soon as enlisted. He must first be tried to if fit for service.....After their examination, the recruits should then receive the 'military mark' and be taught the use of their arms by constant and daily exercise."
What this mark was, where it was placed ( the back of the hand is often suggested, but all is guesswork), and whether it only applied to the soldiers of Vegetius' own day are all unknown......
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
