09-25-2016, 11:49 AM
(09-24-2016, 10:55 PM)Theoderic Wrote: When I wrote: The context of the famine was after Boudica’s final battle (probably in early AD62) so this is the first theory that fits the writings in the previous post I meant that the famine occurred in early AD62, NOT Boudica's last battle which as I have written in my book was around the end of summer AD61.
I see what you mean. Thinking about it, I wonder whether the period of hardship may have begun earlier and lasted longer. When the rebels returned to their homeland without supplies and with no crops to harvest, they would have been obliged to start consuming the seed corn immediately. Of its nature, this would have been far less than the crop it was intended to produce and, therefore, would be unlikely to have been sufficient to sustain the people. On the other hand, if possible they would have wished to plant some of it to yield a meagre harvest in the spring, which again would probably have been insufficient but some of which should still have to be planted to provide a greater harvest in the autumn. Gradually, therefore, they would have been able to build up to full production but this could have taken some time. On this basis, famine conditions could have persisted for at least a year and possibly longer.
They may have been able to supplement their supplies by purchasing grain from other tribes who had a surplus and were willing to sell it, no doubt at exorbitant prices. However, the other tribes may have been reluctant to do this for fear of seeming to the Romans to have been sympathetic to the revolt.
Michael King Macdona
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)