08-26-2010, 06:51 AM
If you want to get a flavour of "ordinary" life for a soldier, it is well worth reading any of the books produced by Anthony Birley which are based on the writing tablets uncovered at Vindolanda, a fort on the Stanegate just south of Hadrian's Wall.
They are an amazing record and give evidence of patronage, assignment of trooops, recruiting, punishment etc. Although limited perhaps by the fact it is Auxilliary troops who are being dealt with and not a Legion, it is a marvellous insight, particularly for civilian activities too.
The current one is 'Garrison Life at Vindolanda' , Tempus Publishing, 2002 (reprint 2007)
They are an amazing record and give evidence of patronage, assignment of trooops, recruiting, punishment etc. Although limited perhaps by the fact it is Auxilliary troops who are being dealt with and not a Legion, it is a marvellous insight, particularly for civilian activities too.
The current one is 'Garrison Life at Vindolanda' , Tempus Publishing, 2002 (reprint 2007)
Moi Watson
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
