09-08-2006, 03:40 PM
Most mainstream histories tout the construction of roads as key to Rome's ability to converge lage numbers of widely garrisoned troops to one location fast. Hard to imagine building such a network, only to walk next to it. But I've seen samples of those hob-nailed sandals; I can't imagine walking all day across soft grass in them.
Most cavalries--from the steppes of Asia through "modern" Nineteenth Century--brought remounts with them. In fact, a favorite target was the enemy's remounts.
Early on the stirrup discussion concentrated on "hard" stirrups, after acknowledging "soft" stirrups--I assume in the form of a simple leather loop--left few artifacts. Does that mean the soft stirrups didn't exist or that we have let the potential availability of artifacts drive our scholarship? (Or were they just useless; that's a question for the stirrup forum.)
At any rate, I think I have my answer. I am writing a historical fiction series on Sixth Century Britannia and didn't want to go too far from the best scholarship available. Believe me, you folks are the best I've found. Thank you very much.
"Non scholae sed vitae discimus" (Seneca), We learn not for school but for life
Most cavalries--from the steppes of Asia through "modern" Nineteenth Century--brought remounts with them. In fact, a favorite target was the enemy's remounts.
Early on the stirrup discussion concentrated on "hard" stirrups, after acknowledging "soft" stirrups--I assume in the form of a simple leather loop--left few artifacts. Does that mean the soft stirrups didn't exist or that we have let the potential availability of artifacts drive our scholarship? (Or were they just useless; that's a question for the stirrup forum.)
At any rate, I think I have my answer. I am writing a historical fiction series on Sixth Century Britannia and didn't want to go too far from the best scholarship available. Believe me, you folks are the best I've found. Thank you very much.
"Non scholae sed vitae discimus" (Seneca), We learn not for school but for life
"Fugit irreparabile tempus" (Irrecoverable time glides away) Virgil
Ron Andrea
Ron Andrea
