Germanicus

Cool, thanks Anthonius !

You don't think Sullas aims were the recuperation of the republic ? Seems to me all his political reforms had that in mind, the danger came when they were overturned. Another thread perhaps.

I agree, although I think I have yet to see a "Docu-Drama" that is not somewhat flat, it seems to be in it's nature. I tend to take what I can get when it comes to visual representations of Roman history. What did you think of the guy that played Scipio ? I've seeen him in something else, but can't for the life of me remember what it was.

I think as Primus Pilus said, persecution under Nero is probably exaggerated, and also agree with you phil that there probably weren't a lot of Christians in Rome in 64ad. However the fact that they are mentioned in historical sources as being killed and scapegoated by Nero makes me think that they were, if in lesser numbers. Persecution is probably the wrong word. I think they were targeted not because they were Christians, but because they were a new appearance, not understood and with their zealous need not to deny their faith and to evangelise, were easily identified and preyed upon.

It's not him, it's a set up..........maybe........maybe not - LOL

No, I don't think we need to continue - I agree that she's certainly shown respect by our politicians.

Sorry, I know you hate to have one comment plucked out, but the queen has negligable influence in this commonwealth country (Australia). She is seen by most of the populace under 40 as an carry over from ye olden days, nothing more.

I think as Furius says it was highly variable up to Augustus. Polybius service length provision would have the unspoken qualifier whether one goes with 6 or 16 years - in war time. For the sake of it, the examples Gruen gives are as follows:- -The majority of Sullas forces acquired in Italy 2 years prior to their being disbanded at the Civil wars conclusion. -Sertorian War Legions of Pompey and Metellus - Retired after a maximun 10 years service in Spain, some were inherited from Lucullus, but most would have only served 6-7 years. -Troops called up by L.Piso in 58, dismissed three years later. One item lends itself to the 6 year term - The fact that the Senate ordered disbandment of part of Lucullus forces who claimed that their term had expired, most of which had only been in the east 7 years. The fact that Augustus instituted a change, instituting 16 years terms, seems to indicate that it had in fact been 6 prior to that, or perhaps an ad hoc business right up to the Principate.

While we are toning down....the British should enjoy the ashes while they can, it'll be the only time they do this century - LOL

Do any sources point to Marius setting a length of service for soldiers ? The reason I ask is that in a book I am reading (The Last Generation of the Roman republic by Erich Gruen), he says:- He then goes on to give many examples where forces in the 80s through to 50s were discharged after periods as small as two years, but not greater than 10.

Thanks for the time Dr Keaveney. How core or otherwise do you think the Tribunician reforms under the Sullan constitution were to Sullas overall plan for strengthening the republic ?

No idea I'm afraid.

I don't think so - the article mentions that the male torso is only 1 metre high, and is from an equestrian statue.

The name is of a Germanic tribe that inflicted a crushing defeat on Roman power between the Rhine and the Elbe rivers, destroying three legions, do a google search on Arminius and you should find all you need.

INFJ - The Counselor

What do you think would have happened had Vitellius not rebelled, or had rebelled but had not had two so capable and unscrupulous generals as Caecina and Valens ? After the assasination of Galba, Otho had firm loyalty from the Praetorians, and the Legionaries in Dalmatia, Pannonia, Moesia, Syria, Judea(Vespasian), Egypt and Africa, and at least in the beginning of his very short reign, those of Narbones Gaul, Aquitania and Hispania Tarraconensis as well, and was of course conferred all titles and powers of Emperor by the cowered senate. Had he had decent generals in command (his war councils to me have a similarity to those of Pompey in that Civil War) and had managed to put down Vitellius' officers rebelion - would he have made a go of being Emperor ? When you say Otho and Vitellius were rejected - who do you mean they were rejected by ? The soldiers ? Offficers ?

I saw it on TV here about a month ago (Weird - we never get things before you guys). I liked it, as far as docu-drama goes. Quite a good budget, with elephants to boot. It's pretty accurate in terms of the major events, although some things are glossed over a bit, not all the battles are represented - Lake Trasimene for example, you only get a few shots of dead Legionaries floating in their own blood in the lake, no actual scenes of the slaughter. Cannae is good though. The guy who played Hannibal was fine, I'd wager better than Vin Diesel is ever going to be although I guess that ain't saying much. His performance became more convincing after losing the eye. You don't really notice how skinny he is. It's worth watching, at least once anyway.

Which - Goldsworthy or Polybius ? The era you refer to, after the Legion reforms doing away with the Principes and Hastati - also did away with the Triarii, so what are you talking about ? Please, I beg you, give me a source or book of any description to back up this point. As already mentioned - they did not exsist in the era you speak of. (Post Marius) If it was Goldsworthy you read, how did you fail to read this:- "Unlike the hastati and principes the Triarii were equipped with a long hoplite spear instead of the Pilum although otherwise they were armed in the same way as their colleagues with the Gladius and body shield." I am not saying that the Triarii were the same as Greek Hoplites. What has been put forward is evidence that 1- They carried a hoplite style spear, and 2 - That they may have fought in Hoplite fashion, forming a spear wall. You so far have presented no evidence to the contrary. But I live in hope and would be interested if you could find some.

Perhaps a less than "great" leadership decision.

Don't even know who she is:- According to our test, you would be a perfect match for Sheryl Swoopes. Born: March 25, 1971 Dominates the basketball court. Helped the USA team to olympic victory. Also dominiates the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association). Your next closest matches were: Nicole Kidman Ashley Judd Mia Hamm

Your answer does not clarify - it just muddies the waters. The Triarii carried Hoplite spears, there is a direct comparison. The Triarii were thrown into the battle when required, and were the veteran troops, otherwise they knelt on the ground behind their sheilds, and the Hastati and Principes until called into action. They were not placed on each wing to protect from cavalry - give me a source for this to prove otherwise. This information comes from Goldsworthy - The Complete Roman Army, but you could also read about it in Polybius.

A thrusting spear, or Hastae. Do not get hung up on the name - the Hastati may well have used it once, but in the republican army, it was only the Triarii that were so equipped. - As you have seen from Polybius. A Pilus, Pila and Pilum all refer to the throwing Javelin later used by all legionaries after the Marian reforms, and used by the Principes and Hastati before that time.

Nice post Tobias