02-02-2009, 12:40 AM
I have been a student of history for nie on 50 years and in all that time I have never heard of the practice of forcing defeated troops to march under a yoke. I have been reading bseveral biographies of noted generals and there was references to it in Adrian Goldsworthy's books. I believe he was referring to the early Principate expeditions against the Parthians wherein several defeated cohorts were so subjected.
Could anyone elaborate on the practice. Was it a Roman procedure or "barbarian". Goldsworthy mentions it was an ancient practice even at that time. I understand it was one of the more demoralizing treatments for captured troops ment to enforce their change of status from "warrior" to slave, something not easily tolerated by fighting men.
I appreciate all input.
Cheers,
Pict
Could anyone elaborate on the practice. Was it a Roman procedure or "barbarian". Goldsworthy mentions it was an ancient practice even at that time. I understand it was one of the more demoralizing treatments for captured troops ment to enforce their change of status from "warrior" to slave, something not easily tolerated by fighting men.
I appreciate all input.
Cheers,
Pict
Andrew son of Andrew of the family Michie, of the clan Forbes highlanders to a man from our noble forebears the blue painted Pict, scourge of the legions.
