ModernMarvel

I have a question. I know of the Hastati, and the Triarii, and the Princepes, among others. Did those divisions stay after the Marian Reforms? The reason I ask is because before the reforms, the army had to pretty much supply their own equipment. However, afterwards it was totally reorganized. So, did the army reform their ranks, and designate new units? Thanks. Marvel

It depended on what they wanted to accomplish with it. For cavalry, it'd be better to throw straight, maybe at the horses. For Infantry, I think a 2 prong attack would work best. one unit throw at a steep angle, to come down high, then a second unit throw straight, to take advantage of the raised shields. Just a thought. Marvel

Thanks for everything. I do know that neither Suetonius nor Tacitus were contemporaries (they served under Hadrian if my memory serves me right). however, I do think they had access to information that we do not have, such as lost books, etc. Thanks for the advice!!! Marv-o-matic. The only washer you'll ever need

He's great at parties from what I'm told Marv

LOL! He got a raise and a full partnership as well I believe. Marv

Cool, thanks! The reason I like ancient authors is because I like that "We were there feeling". Also, I like to see what the roman people thought of it all. Thats a reason I like Suetonius so much. He had a lot of speculation in his writings. Even though some of it was not truthful, it gives it to me, a feeling like he had his ear to the people. I'll check that book out. Thanks Primus. I will look at modern authors, I just dont know of any that are considered good. All I've read is stuff from ancient sources. Who are some great modern authors? Marvel

Nah, you're not being too Orthodox in the least. You're absolutely right. In Judea, there was always an uprising. I think of Masada being the most popular one. However, there were alot more. Many people consider the early Christian upswell as a sort of revolution. I tend to agree, after all the empire converted to a religion that was despised just a few hundred years before. The thing that makes me say Armenia was under Roman power is the installation of a pro-roman king, chosen by Rome. Rome did this often to control areas too large or too troublesome for the legions. Parthia, Pontus, parts of Germany, and Briton at one time or another was also put into this policy. After some research, I think I might retract the Mesopotamia aspect I stated above. I looked up old trading routes in Roman-times Iraq, Iran, and Judea and have come to a conclusion. Rome controlled Judea as best they could and they knew they could not control Mesopotamia to the extent they did say..Gaul or Greece or others. There were simply too many ANCIENT trade routes that literally everyone knew. They could come and go as they pleased and virtually disappear in the Arabian "wilderness". These people have become masters of traveling through desert for weeks at a time. They knew oasis locations, knew how to travel, and the best routes to take. There was simply too much "dead" area to cover for the romans. I think they had the Jews simply because the Hebrews considered it the Promised Land and did not want to abandon it. In the end, their own love for their country made them a conquered people. That's my story and I'm sticking to it Marvel

ARG! I forgot about 'ole Heliogabulus! Yeah, he was a real prize winner. This poll was more or less me at 1 in the morning on a sugar rush from too much kool-aid and tangerines. I jut had to go with Caligula simply because Nero at least had a cover story for most of his stuff. Like the burning, I know he was away, but I still think he set the whole thing up. Afterall, you dont have to be present to be a murderer, like when his mom was killed (Stab here! eww...brutal). Marv

Aww, the losing side? ARG! That's ok. At least my side went down with style...or I hope they did. Thanks! That's neat! Marv

Friends, I am in terrible need. I need a now book. My wife said I can get some new stuff for myself this christmas (the Roman map is already on the way ). Anyways, where was I...new book! Yes! Any ideas? Criteria: Preferably from Julius Caesar to Hadrian Military or Political Preferably from an ancient author (but a REALLY REALLY REALLY good modern one will do) Thanks folks. I sincerely appreciate it. Marvel

ehnyr (First Name) bmealln (last name) That's some gobble-de-gook! Marvel

Tennessee, USA Born in Washington D.C. Marv

In the Blue Corner: Yelling at Jupiter, having the hots for your sister, making fun of Senator's wives for their lack of sexual expertise in front of their husbands, claiming to be a living god to name a few......CALIGULA!!!! And in the Red Corner: Dressing for marriage as a woman, burning Rome to build his playhouse, killing his mother Agrippina, and slaughtering many Christians including Paul, and that's just being modest.....NERO!!!! Who will win in this battle royale of Nut-bars? You decide!!!!!! Marv's vote: Caligula

One thing to remember. The once Pagan empire denounced Christianity as a depraved (Tacitus), anti-social cult that drank blood (numerous sources). Being from this history, Julian's family probably passed this story down...that's a LOT of indoctrination to overcome. Obviously, Julian faked it in the hope that his power would "make things right". Hey, it's by far not the worse things ever done for religion (The Jihad and Crusades come to mind). After all, this kind of thing still happens today. One religion or people group says horrible things about the other even with unequivocal evidence to the opposite. And we're all open-minded, modern people! Back then, things were alot worse, I'd imagine. Just something to think about. Marv

Well, one thing that I would say about Armenia, is the fact that during Nero's reign Armenia was more or less a Roman protectorate. Even though Vologese of Parthia (I think it was Parthia) laid claim to it, AND the fact that he utterly destroyed the army of Paetus, he admittedly did not want to fight Corbulo. Corbulo was the "Stormin' Norman" of the Empire during this time, and was an excellent commander that Vologese did not wish to fight. Armenia technically did belong to Rome. However, in Roman fashion, they installed a "king" that was Pro-Roman (a relative of Herod the Great, but I don't remember his name....it was like Tiger or something ) As far as Mesopotamia goes, I would think that since the Arab/Hebrew regions were in such close and deep contact as they were (in history, cultural habits, and taboos) the Romans would at least have a strong influence in the region since they controlled Judea. Just a thought. Marv Source: The Annals, Tacitus P.S. This is my first post, and thanks ya'll (Southern talk) for having me!