01-15-2019, 08:02 PM
A quick review of the relevant sections of Polybius and Josephus would certainly help. A number of elements that have been discussed here are detailed and many more can be interpolated. Advance guards, vanguards, scouting and parties to lay out the next camp; as well as comments as to advancing with and without facing the enemy are all mentioned.
In contrast to the above - Polybius is quite specific and the layout of the camp starts with the position of the Consul's tent. That said, I have also found the dimension of the 'short side(s)' to be easily determined - given that I am quite sure that the length of that side is exactly equal to the deployed frontage of the 2+2 legion Consular Army structure - with a gap for the gate. However, yes - all that is needed is a groma, spears and rope/string would indeed be useful (my personal desert island choice is a ball of para-cord!) - along with some standard roman-pacing.
Compared to the Polybian camp structure and the parallels I have seen in much later fortifications; I must admit to being extremely sceptical about the over-complexity of 'Hyginus'.
In contrast to the above - Polybius is quite specific and the layout of the camp starts with the position of the Consul's tent. That said, I have also found the dimension of the 'short side(s)' to be easily determined - given that I am quite sure that the length of that side is exactly equal to the deployed frontage of the 2+2 legion Consular Army structure - with a gap for the gate. However, yes - all that is needed is a groma, spears and rope/string would indeed be useful (my personal desert island choice is a ball of para-cord!) - along with some standard roman-pacing.
Compared to the Polybian camp structure and the parallels I have seen in much later fortifications; I must admit to being extremely sceptical about the over-complexity of 'Hyginus'.