10-21-2010, 04:45 PM
While we do have on our hand a number of sources that gives us a good idea as to how recruitment and training of recruits was done during the Early Empire during the first and second century, as well as how it is done during the late Empire, from the 4th century onwards, I have yet to discover any articles or books that discuss the issue of recruiting troops and training them during the era of the Soldier Emperors in the 3rd century, after the fall of the Severan dynasty.
Sure, we do have a fair number of records as to the the military changes that occurred during the 3rd century, such as the military reform of Gallienus, but it seems that no one has explained as to how the Roman army was able to regain their strength after they have suffered numerous losses during that period? We do know that the Emperors recruited a fair number of barbarians into the army, but what about the existing units?
Especially given that the use of vexillation was extensive during this time period, so how would the unit commanders know how much troops should they recruit to replace their losses? Where would they find recruits from, and by what means would they use to recruit troops? Given the pay of the troops isn't going to worth much with the rise of inflation, as well as the much higher chance of being killed than troops in the previous generation, won't it become much harder for the Romans to gain enough volunteers for their army?
So how did the Roman army manage to rebuild itself despite suffering a number of defeats against the Goths and the Persians?
Sure, we do have a fair number of records as to the the military changes that occurred during the 3rd century, such as the military reform of Gallienus, but it seems that no one has explained as to how the Roman army was able to regain their strength after they have suffered numerous losses during that period? We do know that the Emperors recruited a fair number of barbarians into the army, but what about the existing units?
Especially given that the use of vexillation was extensive during this time period, so how would the unit commanders know how much troops should they recruit to replace their losses? Where would they find recruits from, and by what means would they use to recruit troops? Given the pay of the troops isn't going to worth much with the rise of inflation, as well as the much higher chance of being killed than troops in the previous generation, won't it become much harder for the Romans to gain enough volunteers for their army?
So how did the Roman army manage to rebuild itself despite suffering a number of defeats against the Goths and the Persians?
Raymond Ngoh
