Number of legions at Zama

[Hanny]

 

Do people actually believe the ancient historians were utilizing such detailed records that include the casualty figures? I have found nothing to support this. Even the Roman replacement system, as can be found in Livy’s campaigns of 192 BC, to the Third Macedonian War, of which there are dozens and dozens of examples, just follow the Roman standardized system of replacement. Livy does say these troops were replacing the older troops. This should not be interpreted to be the triarii, but the oldest troops in each property class of which there are five property classes to a legion.

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/po...L_TEXT.PDF

See chapter detailing counting the dead and Roman admin for retiring veterans, laws for giving the senate the wrong casualty figures etc.