11-18-2011, 05:50 PM
Quote:Robert, could I have some examples of sources from 400 to 600 CE which talk about an ideal organization, not the strength of particular units at particular times?Well, that's the point, it's debatable if there ever was such a thing as an 'ideal organization' of Roman units. When you read Vegetius or Maurikios (and i think the latter was far more experienced then the former, who may have been writing in theory only), they are clearly advocating ideas. Maurikios is clear on the point: you may have this number, but that number would be ideal, while this number is too many, etc. There is no 'ideal cohort' after which all cohorts are modelled. I think there is a 'practical number', like e.g. 300 or perhaps 500, but the Roman army had no 'mold' after which every unit was formed. The contubernium was 8 men, and everything above that would depend on practical things.
Even today we don't have this in black & white: how large is a division? How large a regiment? How many men in a batallion? The logical answer would be another question - what sort of batallion?
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
