04-06-2012, 02:49 AM
The proper references are not in front of me so I will paraphrase. Both A. Goldsworthy and Stephen Dando-Collin refer to meat being an important (albeit smaller portions)part of a 'miles' diet. Given the number of calories consumed on the march, building a marching for and daily training, it is unlikely they lived on bread and veggies. Romans themselves were HUGE meat eaters so why would we assume soldiers were any different?
J. Caesars Legions (mostly Spanish during the conflict in Gaul) consumed a wide variety of rations on top of the iron 'Corn' (wheat or oats) ration. Legumes were very popular mixed into a porridge which included meat. Barley was NOT popular and considered unfit for men and issued only for the animals accompanying the legion (except when J. C. was very short on wheat or oats).
Two chickens would be sufficient for an eight man contubernium with 'more for us' if the mess octet were short handed. Rations were deducted from pay so foraging was very inportant 'potluck' affair. Cattle, goats and sheep can be herded but pigs not so much, hence salted pork being available when foragers come back empty handed. Salting the pork was a preferred method of storage and transport.
J. Caesars Legions (mostly Spanish during the conflict in Gaul) consumed a wide variety of rations on top of the iron 'Corn' (wheat or oats) ration. Legumes were very popular mixed into a porridge which included meat. Barley was NOT popular and considered unfit for men and issued only for the animals accompanying the legion (except when J. C. was very short on wheat or oats).
Two chickens would be sufficient for an eight man contubernium with 'more for us' if the mess octet were short handed. Rations were deducted from pay so foraging was very inportant 'potluck' affair. Cattle, goats and sheep can be herded but pigs not so much, hence salted pork being available when foragers come back empty handed. Salting the pork was a preferred method of storage and transport.
