PVarro

So I know large towns in the later Empire had Prefects who ran the cities, but how were the majority of Roman towns governed? Did they have a sort of town Senate? Or was there an elected official? Thanks in advance. Paul

I would just like to add I would love to know why the Romans didn't push further south into Nubia or for that matter further south along the Atlantic coastline. If anyone has any information on this, I would be very grateful.

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Yes Primus Pilus, I must say that the book is fairly unhistorical. And I didn't realize it until I began studying Roman history. But I am glad that something like that could kindle an interest in me that's lasted for years now. And Lex, what country is it that you live in? I know that Roman law philosophy has influenced many western countries, but I wasn't aware that it had such a direct influence on any countries.

You know, I feel slightly embarrassed now that I know a lot about Roman history, but the reason I first became interested in Rome was because I read Conn Iggulden's book, Emperor: The Gates of Rome. I was finding a book to read in a small store so I could pass the time at a Model UN meeting and I've been in love ever since. Thanks to Roman Legion, a text - based RPG online ( I couldn't resist that plug) I've learned so much more and have delved much deeper into the details of all aspects of the Roman early principate. The Republic fascinates me still, though I must admit I don't know as much about it. Rome will continue to fascinate me, it's the main reason I'm pursuing my Bachelor

Well Cornelius, I have to agree that the Romans usually faught outnumbered battles. But this was the extreme case in that statement. The Romans mostly faught 2x1, or even 5x1. But this battle was 23x1. That's a huge difference. And as for the discussion about the "saw" type formation of the army, I was under the impression that each unit made its own wedge. The 14th made a wedge, the recalled veterans that were still alive made a wedge, and the auxilia that the 14th had with them also provided a wedge. The major factor I think was that the Romans were fighting for pride. They weren't about to back down from rebels that they had already conquered. The "formation" of the rebels did help the Romans win the battle. With no organized way to pull out of a battle, once the enemy army was engaged it would be till the end. The Brits in front knew that they should pull back, but everyone behind them didn't and therefore were pushing to get at the Romans who were tearing apart the army. These are just my opinions of the battle. PVarro

I've been very interested in Roman Africa for quite some time. Can anyone point me towards a good book with an overall history of the region? Or perhaps a book that outlines an interesting time in the regions history. Thanks in advance. PVarro

I'm glad to see such a response. To Primus Pilus: You're right, the 14th's history wasn't that horrible. But I was under the impression that the legion had kept an air of cursedness about them since their beginning. And for the loyalty debate: I agree that in some ways loyalty is helped along by greed, but I do agree that it is a double edged sword. When the 10th mutinied, I was under the impression that they were acting more on the behalf of their two sister veteran legions than just themselves. And yes, battle victories - and defeats sometimes - can create loyalty in men. But there have to be other necessities than victories and booty. From what I know, Pompey's 1st was so loyal to him and his sons - in part - because the legion was recruited from a region that the Magnus family had a heavy influence in. Thanks again for all of these replies everyone. I'm using your ideas to help cultivate loyalty in the legions under my control in the RPG Roman Legion. So it's actually relevant to my life. Oh, and the all time worst way to gain loyalty - bribes. Wow, that just never works.

So the more I study Roman history, the more the influence and loyalty of legions to their commanders fascinates me. In particular, Legio I and it's loyalty to Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) and later his sons and stepfather, Legio X and it's loyalty to Gaius Julius Caesar, and Legio XIV and it's - not so much loyalty - but outstanding performance against Boudica (and I know I didn't spell that right). The first two I'm wondering how these two commanders received such devotion and loyalty, far above and beyond where other legions would have gone, from their men? And for the third, how did a legion with such a bad track record stand against such overwhelming odds and come out of it to become immortalized? Alright, I must apologize in advance if there's a post that already covers this topic, I promise I looked (through a few pages) to see if I could find the topic anywhere else. PVarro

So to my understanding conibium was the official permission given to a Roman citizen to marry a provincial non-citizen. This permission was given by the regional governor, procurator or whatever it may be in that province. I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on how often this occured or how hard it was to obtain. Also, was this something that Roman patricians would ever consider? Or even Equites? Thank you in advance. PVarro

To be honest here, I can't stand the modern day philosophy that war is evil and it shouldn't ever happen. Because for centuries before this mentality came about men and armies were waging war. They had the means, and often did, discuss and solve their problems peacefully; but they also knew when enough was enough and it was time to make an example, right a wrong, ect. Instead, today people will try and talk it out and when that doesn't work talk some more. Personally, I think things worked better back then. PVarro

I must agree with Neos on this one. I've been a member of Roman Legion for years now and I love it! I find myself spending an entire day speaking with politicians or planning the next campaign with my military advisors. It's extremely historically accurate and has a good fun atmosphere. I would tell ANYONE who wants a Roman Era RPG to visit www.romanlegion.com . PVarro