06-23-2013, 02:35 AM
Mark wrote:
From my POV I think you might well be looking for patterns that aren't there,
I always endeavour to try and understand the methodology adopted by a source. To paraphrase Barbara Tuchman: “let the evidence guide the research – do not allow preconceptions to lead you to a wrong conclusion.”
Hyginus’ mathematical continuity is he applies six centuries to a quingenariae and 10 centuries to a miliariae. However, he does not abide by this doctrine. He clearly claims a quingenariae is half that of a miliariae and his maths support this. The equitata miliariae has 760 infantry and 240 cavalry, so a quingenariae being half would amount to 500 men consisting of 380 cavalry and 120 infantry.
Hyginus then claims an ala quingenariae had 16 squadrons and an ala miliariae had 24 squadrons. As he claims an ala miliariae is half that of an ala quingenariae then an ala quingenariae must have 12 squadrons not 16 squadrons. So far Hyginus shows a continuity of methodology with his contradictions. The question has to be asked concerning Hyginus’ 16 squadrons is has he included the four squadrons of equites legionis?
It is quite clear Hyginus is using a mathematical system based on increments of five centuries but has transposed them onto another organisational system (the six centuries for a quingenariae). The six centuries is divisible by the 12 squadrons for an ala quingenariae and the 24 squadrons for an ala miliariae but not for the five and 10 century organisation which is what his maths is based on. There is a lot more empirical data in Hyginus to work with that gives more insight into exactly what he is doing. The numbers for the praetorian cavalry make the difference.
From my POV I think you might well be looking for patterns that aren't there,
I always endeavour to try and understand the methodology adopted by a source. To paraphrase Barbara Tuchman: “let the evidence guide the research – do not allow preconceptions to lead you to a wrong conclusion.”
Hyginus’ mathematical continuity is he applies six centuries to a quingenariae and 10 centuries to a miliariae. However, he does not abide by this doctrine. He clearly claims a quingenariae is half that of a miliariae and his maths support this. The equitata miliariae has 760 infantry and 240 cavalry, so a quingenariae being half would amount to 500 men consisting of 380 cavalry and 120 infantry.
Hyginus then claims an ala quingenariae had 16 squadrons and an ala miliariae had 24 squadrons. As he claims an ala miliariae is half that of an ala quingenariae then an ala quingenariae must have 12 squadrons not 16 squadrons. So far Hyginus shows a continuity of methodology with his contradictions. The question has to be asked concerning Hyginus’ 16 squadrons is has he included the four squadrons of equites legionis?
It is quite clear Hyginus is using a mathematical system based on increments of five centuries but has transposed them onto another organisational system (the six centuries for a quingenariae). The six centuries is divisible by the 12 squadrons for an ala quingenariae and the 24 squadrons for an ala miliariae but not for the five and 10 century organisation which is what his maths is based on. There is a lot more empirical data in Hyginus to work with that gives more insight into exactly what he is doing. The numbers for the praetorian cavalry make the difference.
