07-17-2012, 08:21 PM
Quote:I believe the first reference to men cutting off their thumbs to avoid military service comes from a law of Constantine, so the unpopularity of the army must date from at least the Tetrarchic period.Maybe it was just the case in this particularr period? I mean, cutting off your thumb is such a striking image, perhaps too strong? Maybe the army was more popular in other periods?
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)
