08-16-2006, 08:47 PM
I would guess that Goldsworthy's source is the Acta Sancti Maximiliani Martyris, as rendered by Brian Campbell (no relation!) in his Roman Army: Sourcebook, p. 12 no. 5.
In AD 295, Maximilian famously refused military service on the grounds of his Christianity. An ancient text records his recruiting interview with the African proconsul Dion.
Brian Campbell translates the crucial line as 'Dion said to his staff, "Give him the military seal".' (Brian Campbell explains this as "a piece of lead containing a seal and the recruit's name, which he wore around his neck".)
Unfortunately, I don't have the original Latin text to hand, and I cannot locate an on-line version, so I don't know what word Campbell has translated as "military seal".
David Woods has an on-line translation here.
He translates the crucial line as 'Dion said to the official, "Let him be marked".'
My guess is that there is no specific reference to a lead seal, only to a sign of some kind (which brings us back to Vegetius).
If someone can come up with the Latin text, we could check what the Acta Maximiliani actually says.
(Note: When I wrote this, I launched in before reading Tobias' post where he mentions Maximilian. So the credit goes to you, Tobias!)
In AD 295, Maximilian famously refused military service on the grounds of his Christianity. An ancient text records his recruiting interview with the African proconsul Dion.
Brian Campbell translates the crucial line as 'Dion said to his staff, "Give him the military seal".' (Brian Campbell explains this as "a piece of lead containing a seal and the recruit's name, which he wore around his neck".)
Unfortunately, I don't have the original Latin text to hand, and I cannot locate an on-line version, so I don't know what word Campbell has translated as "military seal".
David Woods has an on-line translation here.
He translates the crucial line as 'Dion said to the official, "Let him be marked".'
My guess is that there is no specific reference to a lead seal, only to a sign of some kind (which brings us back to Vegetius).
If someone can come up with the Latin text, we could check what the Acta Maximiliani actually says.
(Note: When I wrote this, I launched in before reading Tobias' post where he mentions Maximilian. So the credit goes to you, Tobias!)
