09-21-2002, 11:02 PM
IIRC, the 'hand' standard was a reference to the <i> maniple</i>, known as a 'handful' of legionaries. Perhaps someone more knowledgable than I could verify/correct this?<br>
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I'm reading Goldsworthy's <i> Roman Warfare</i> at the moment, and he mentions the legionaries of the later Empire abandoning the whole 'silent, then yelling battle-cry when charging the enemy' approach. Instead, they gradually built up the volume of their battle-chant, culminating in a loud warcry (I presume). Apparently, it was designed to aid the soldiers in 'building up' their courage and blood-lust for the coming fight. This may be similar to the German <i> barritus</i> that Nik mentioned.<br>
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<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/uauxilia.showPublicProfile?language=EN>Auxilia</A> at: 9/22/02 1:04:14 am<br></i>
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I'm reading Goldsworthy's <i> Roman Warfare</i> at the moment, and he mentions the legionaries of the later Empire abandoning the whole 'silent, then yelling battle-cry when charging the enemy' approach. Instead, they gradually built up the volume of their battle-chant, culminating in a loud warcry (I presume). Apparently, it was designed to aid the soldiers in 'building up' their courage and blood-lust for the coming fight. This may be similar to the German <i> barritus</i> that Nik mentioned.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/uauxilia.showPublicProfile?language=EN>Auxilia</A> at: 9/22/02 1:04:14 am<br></i>
