08-22-2015, 07:52 PM
Long time lurker in this forum. The search engine usually answers my questions from past topics...but...
What did the Roman Army use for insect repellent? Anyone who has spent anytime in the woods-especially in hot-still air (summer forest) will tell you mosquitoes are a horrible. Especially if you are sweaty after a days work/march.
As for desert climates. My US Air Force experience in the night desert (Gila Bend ,Arizona) when you turn on a light in a totally dark desert (only stars visible) you can't believe the amount of bugs it attracts (swarms). I can imagine what it was like in Judea around a campfire. I know from experience a desert can get VERY cold at night (no clouds to trap the heat of day means a cold night.)
So what did the Romans use to keep insects away -as best they could.
I attached a photo off the net. I have seen it that bad around one overhead light.
[attachment=12673]pearsonvillebugs.jpg[/attachment]
What did the Roman Army use for insect repellent? Anyone who has spent anytime in the woods-especially in hot-still air (summer forest) will tell you mosquitoes are a horrible. Especially if you are sweaty after a days work/march.
As for desert climates. My US Air Force experience in the night desert (Gila Bend ,Arizona) when you turn on a light in a totally dark desert (only stars visible) you can't believe the amount of bugs it attracts (swarms). I can imagine what it was like in Judea around a campfire. I know from experience a desert can get VERY cold at night (no clouds to trap the heat of day means a cold night.)
So what did the Romans use to keep insects away -as best they could.
I attached a photo off the net. I have seen it that bad around one overhead light.
[attachment=12673]pearsonvillebugs.jpg[/attachment]
-Rod Dickson
