The late Roman Army only numbered around 210,000 men for both halves of the Empire in 395.
Although I agree every unit having maile/scale/lamellar is absurd, there is no other practical armor. And we know a lot of units were light infantry, and didn't wear armor, or may have worn linen/leather subarmalis.
Unfortunate misunderstanding-when I mention Peter Dennis I had on mind Graham Turner in fact.
By the way Mr.Sumner,I think your painting of Antonine era legionary you posted here would be ideal to finally be published in the Marcus Aurelius issue of Ancient warfare magazine for example.
Belisarius under the walls of Rome: Principius comes before Belisarius in order to persuade him to give his infantry an active role in upcoming battle.
Belisarius under the walls of Rome: Principius comes before Belisarius in order to persuade him to give his infantry an active role in upcoming battle.