06-02-2013, 10:40 AM
antiochus,
One of the things I have assumed (now I think of it that way) is that Polybius is describing the normal 'ideal'. Based upon that assumption I have, because they make sense, used the 'one third of 900' to equal 300 - times two for the 600 cavalry in the normal extraordinarii. I note that, thanks to help here, that some translations and probably the original say 'about' one third. That thesis will, however, show why I think that number is the desired one.
Livy, in his pretty comprehensive covering of numbers, does often show, particularly, less cavalry on occasion. However, in each case it tends to be when there are many legions in the field and also after other battles. On the assumption that his figures are accurate, I would otherwise be content to suggest that his use of 'half the allies' may well be one of those cases - and ~300 is still desired.
However, whilst I've been through Livy and made many notes - please could you point me at that specific reference and I can look at the context?
One of the things I have assumed (now I think of it that way) is that Polybius is describing the normal 'ideal'. Based upon that assumption I have, because they make sense, used the 'one third of 900' to equal 300 - times two for the 600 cavalry in the normal extraordinarii. I note that, thanks to help here, that some translations and probably the original say 'about' one third. That thesis will, however, show why I think that number is the desired one.
Livy, in his pretty comprehensive covering of numbers, does often show, particularly, less cavalry on occasion. However, in each case it tends to be when there are many legions in the field and also after other battles. On the assumption that his figures are accurate, I would otherwise be content to suggest that his use of 'half the allies' may well be one of those cases - and ~300 is still desired.
However, whilst I've been through Livy and made many notes - please could you point me at that specific reference and I can look at the context?
