06-28-2010, 07:01 PM
Quote:I think all who have contributed to this thread should under go decimation. I'll take my chances.
Do I get a special dispensation, since I only joined in two days ago, or does that make me doubly culpable? hock:
Anyhow, I'll wrap up my contribution by agreeing with Robert about the plausible roots of dragon imagery (and noting that the Welsh flag derives from a medieval banner, on a pattern used by many English and Norman kings!). I agree, also, that there were a great many cultural influences on late Roman and post-Roman armies, and that the Alanic/Sarmatian could well have been one of them. As regards Britain in particular, however, actual Roman and (especially) Germanic military practice would, I think, have had a far more palpable influence by the 5th-6th century than any residual eastern traditions.
Regards - Nathan
Nathan Ross