Rome\'s Greatest General...

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Perhaps it would be possible to "expand" this topic to the characteristics a great general should posses, as that would provide a less subjective yardstick then just personal preference. Then, we would have a set to discuss the relative merits of those generals we see fit to nominate.

If this idea meets appeal, I have composed a very short list for starters. I believe in the end it should not go beyond ten points and a ranking of importance of the characteristics be decided on. So some of my suggestions could be voted out in favor of others more deserving.

1. Abbilty to inspire his men
2. Proven tactical brilliance
3. Innovativeness/ability to adapt
4. Number of mayor clashes won
5. Strenght of the opponents bested
6. Full use of Roman military enginering
7. ......

If I put Aetius into these Criterion...

1. The entire damn Army was loyal to him and no one but him.
2. Adopted new styles of warfare or used uncommon tactics more often, particularly his night attack in 439 on the Visigothic camp.
3. Supposedly he MAY have adopted the Hunnic Lance-and-Bow warfare as describe in the Strategikon
4. Off the top of my head? I think 19.
5. Attila and Theodoric were no pushovers.
6. This is actually the only thing he lacks in.