12-19-2008, 09:33 PM
Jona wrote an article in AW I.1 which he expanded and made available on his site. Tacitus is indeed likely to have served in some military capacity and, yes, had relatives with a strong military career. Most importantly, he wrote for his own social circle: senators, many of whom would have had had military experience. If he made obvious gaffes, he would've looked like an ass. Tacitus doesn't seem to have been the type to go for that image.
Errors are possible, but he must at least have used acceptable terminology, although perhaps not always military jargon.
Errors are possible, but he must at least have used acceptable terminology, although perhaps not always military jargon.
