07-20-2012, 01:24 AM
Hello all.
I recently read Caesar's Legion (Dando- Collins).
If I am not mistaken, it would appear that a legion on an extended campaign lacked either the resources or the wish to replenish fallen soldiers. Are there any explainations for this? It didnt seem like Caesar had any great difficulties raising new legions when he felt the need, so it seems reasonable (to my 21st century understanding) to first bring your existing legions back to full strength before forming new ones.
The only explanation I can think of is a desire to not dilute the veterancy of crack units. I understand that Caesar tended to introduce new legions to combat gradually, to build their confidence and experience. Still- a unit with a little under 6,000 men at the time of first muster being ground down to perhaps 2,500 by the battle of Pharsalus could have stood reinforcing at some point in a ten year period, right?
I recently read Caesar's Legion (Dando- Collins).
If I am not mistaken, it would appear that a legion on an extended campaign lacked either the resources or the wish to replenish fallen soldiers. Are there any explainations for this? It didnt seem like Caesar had any great difficulties raising new legions when he felt the need, so it seems reasonable (to my 21st century understanding) to first bring your existing legions back to full strength before forming new ones.
The only explanation I can think of is a desire to not dilute the veterancy of crack units. I understand that Caesar tended to introduce new legions to combat gradually, to build their confidence and experience. Still- a unit with a little under 6,000 men at the time of first muster being ground down to perhaps 2,500 by the battle of Pharsalus could have stood reinforcing at some point in a ten year period, right?
Take what you want, and pay for it
-Spanish proverb
-Spanish proverb
