Antiochus of Seleucia

Exactly, that's why I'm asking anyone if they know! I've also adopted your conclusion. This thread wants to be put in the tartarus.

Will I by any chance see you working out there?

The original idea for this was to create a "discussion" (or better put, pool of knowledge) and not "debate." If it goes as originally intended, it might just work. Perhaps someone with limited knowledge or lack of opinion could be the moderator, then there will be less or no biasing. As for citations, it's a good idea, but people getting started like me may have trouble contributing. Most of the stuff I know is from that book I read a while ago and remembered that part about such and such. I do think we should use citations anyways because it will make a very excellent reference and knowledgeable people are more reliable. I go for citations. Besides, when we build a library of rescources, then other members will be able to go out and buy them and such. Still, I think it should work!

When I think of the legions, I think they were great not because of "steam-roller-action," but because of the extreme ingenuity, wit, and sheer determination they displayed. For ingenuity, we have the corva, adoption of gladius, fort design... the list goes on. They adapted when need be, and turned sieges into an art. They went by a strict organizational system, yet bent the rules at times to achieve victory. If an army was decimated, they would raise another, and usually learned from their mistakes to return like avenging angels. Of course there were many times they didn't show their good side, or their smart side either. Not all men who joined the legions were corrupt though- some just loved the army or wanted steady pay. I do agree with the statement about civil engineering though. There is nothing worse than a standing army with nothing to do.

You'll probably win Cato , but from my limited knowledge, the republic failed because it was designed for a nation the size of Italy. They made it work for a while, but ambitious men started finding it's weaknesses and the system finally declined. The Republican system was great and could be even more so if it could have adapted. What strikes interest is that a Roman Republic the size of the Imperial state could be easier to rule if they had better communications. Today a republic of that size could easily function.

I like the term "Fuzzy Logic." Nobody caught this... contemporary = modern. I must add that reading the modern accounts also is great for getting aquainted with a topic. Better to familiarize yourself with a summary than to delve into some book written in haughty inglish. It can be done, but it's easier on us young'ns

Sup Tobais... long time no see... Back on topic... The generally accepted outcome of the battle is that it was a stalemate, but unoffical Roamn victory and niether side had the forces to destroy the other but mainly Aetius not having the troops to complete the victory. Personally, studying the career of Aetius, we can see that even if he did have the forces to destroy Attila, (I think he did), he pursposely left him as a threat, because we have to understand that Aetius had a unique relationship with the Huns and Attila, (especially Attila's late uncle Rua), and so Aetius twice used the Huns to get him into his power positions, and if Attila and the Huns were gone, he knew that Galla Placidia and Valentinian III would have no need of Aetius any further, but his ability to "control" the Huns previous to Attila's campaigns ensured his position as the de facto ruler of the West, once Attila became hostile, Aetius, while needed, was slowly losing his power and influence since he could not hold the Huns over Rome's head like a threat that COULD be unleashed. They went from tools of Aetius to out of control ones and he ultimately suffered because he lost his control of them, so hence the reason he did not finish off Attila, because to do so would have completely destroyed his reason for being. Let me add to that. Because of the invasions the Romans and Visigoths held a fragile alliance against this common foe. If the huns were destroyed, the alliance would no longer be needed, and the visigoths could continue their rants through Roman lands. One could only imagine why Aetius placed the Visigoths in the center of the line during the battle.

I got a better question: If the Republic was still around, perhaps Caesar would never die! Then Cato here would go mad. But seriously, perhaps with some major reforms a large republic like that would have worked. One reason the Republic failed was that under it's current system it grew too large. However, even if the Republic lasted, realistically it probably wouldn't survive. With all governments, big or small, strong or weak, they don't last forever.

Ahh. Caffeine ain't your friend either? Stay away from Vault. It helped me stay up for 43 hours once.

The Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek, Lebanon, was the largest Roman temple ever constructed. Although much of the temple was destroyed under the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius, 6 of its original 54 columns still stand today... Read more here

I think that after Trajan when the Empire stopped expanding, they brought in less loot for they no longer made conquests. I've heard people say that was a reason for weakening.

Top or bottom of the pile?

Haha thanks! Fixed.

Ok, Southwater was a historical event in Rome: Total War. I remember reading the little caption, but cannot find it in the text files. All I could find was this. } disaster Southwater { type fire year 0 position 272 227 size 30 } There is also a battle map named Southwater and it clearly is a farm.

Primus, you MUST admit, I so called that one.

Err... such accusations! I think you all are full of !

Thanks for the try but that's not it. It was an ancient villa/farm of sorts.

That would be a great idea! It would be nice if we knew a person's native language so there will be less misunderstanding. Gaius, post some of your ideas in the support forum as suggestions, they may become reality.

I'm not sure if it fits, but Gaius Claudius Nero and Marcus Livius Salinator defeated Hasdrubal, effectively ending a Carthaginian offensive. If they would have lost the Carthaginians would have ripped Rome out at her heart. Edit in response to P.Claudius: In my opinion these man need more credit.

I occasionally take a peep at the webcam. That's awesome that we get the oppertunity to watch them dig. It's pretty cool how many people stop at the railing to look.

One quick question: Weren't citizens exempt from service? Is there a source where I can read up on this?

In my opinion the Roman Empire fell after Constantinople was captured but considering there still are "Roman Catholics" I also feel a psuedo-Roman empire still exists (as in the influence is still very present).