Primus Pilus

a single forum with links to various Roman related vendors sounds good to me. I'll try to set one up some time this week.

Please do

Caesar's legions in Gaul depends on what period of time you are talking about. He started with 4 legions - VII, VIII, VIIII and X (which were already in Gaul) and recruited XI and XII for use against the Helvetii. XIII and XIV were recruited for the war in Belgica. XV was formed when XIV was destroyed in 53 BC. (which was also reformed) Consular Legio I was sent by the Senate after 53 BC to help against Ambiorix. During the war against Vercingetorix Caesar recruited V Alaudae and VI Ferrata. Caesar operated with as many as 12 legions at the height of his command in Gaul. A complete list... I (Consular) - Sent by the senate in 53 BC I - IV (Consular) - Recruited by Caesar in 48 BC V (Alaudae) - Recruited 52 BC VI (Ferrata) - Recruited 52 BC VII, VIII, VIIII, X (Equestris) - Pre-existing legions in Gaul prior to Caesar's arrival XI, XII - 58 - 59 BC XIII, XIV - 57 BC XV - 53 BC XVI - XXX - 49 BC XXXI - XXXIII - 48 BC XXXIIII - XXXVII - from Pompey's veterans after Pharsalus XXXVIII - XXXXVII - New recruits in 45 BC to replace Caesar's retired veterans. In total, that's 48 legions in Caesar's career.

Nope, its been down for months... we even tried contacting him (Frank, if I recall right) to find out what happened... but no response.

Or maybe if we could find some theme specific ones?

I'd like to have topic post icons disabled if possible. I think they look tacky considering the nature of our discussion forum. Anyone else?

Better units than what? The original version? I'd suggest going and looking for yourself rather than take our word on it... www.rometotalrealism.org

From a strictly military perspective I think WWII was the only event large enough for any general to earn the title 'Magnus'. Western allied power was spread among several notable and usual suspects, and as such, its certainly hard to pick one (Montgomery, Patton, MacArthur, etc.). For the Germans there was Rommel and Von Manstein but each had their problems. In the end I think the one who would get the top rank among all, but still undeserving of such a title, would be Zhukov.

Caesar's symbol was the bull and Octavian seems to have followed suit only with a couple of legions. There are other symbols attested for some of Caesar's legions, including Legio XIII which inexplicably used a lion, but since not all evidence survives, its very difficult to know for sure. Several legions founded by Pansa and Octavian during the triumvirate period used different symbols (Capricorn, Pegasus, Lion, Eagle, etc.) so it brings up confusion as to the whole 'who, what and when' of legionary symbols.. Not many of Antony's symbols survived. Legio III Cyrenaica's symbol is unknown and Legio IIII Scythica used the Capricorn. I believe that the symbols for any of Pompey's legions is completely unknown, but I have never done any research on it. With Marius, and probably Sulla as well, they were using the 'Marian reform' method. Each legion likely used the 'Eagle' and other symbols of Jupiter. Again, its not something I've ever researched in depth so others may have better insight.

Thats a perfect example of geographic uniform differences. Indeed, in cold weather environments legionaries may have been issued bracae (pants) and thick wool socks as a standard part of the uniform, that wouldn't be necessary in places like Africa. Though, obviously this was merely a practicality and had nothing to do with the 'house' of the recruiting general.

He's not exactly the most riveting of ancient writers but it is ancient source material... Vegetius - De Re Militari

I believe it was Aurelian (270 to 275 AD) who first wore the diadem (though still in a 'laurel wreath' style) as a permanent symbol of imperial power. Before him, they were only worn by 'emperors' on special occasions. After Aurelian it seems to have been a hit and miss tradition, simply depending upon the emperor. The jeweled and pearled diadems that followed the laurel wreath style... eventually and essentially becoming a crown, was adopted as standard practice in the 4th century. I'm not exactly sure who was first to adopt this style, but coinage of the day provides an easily trackable point of reference if you care to research it. www.wildwinds.com is a good place to start.

I tried reading the first one, but gave up about half way through. His style is fast paced and entertaining, and should he write about a different time period or cast of characters I might sample him again. But for those books, in my opinion, he butchered the very well known history of one of the worlds most famous people and chain of events. I know its being 'stodgy' but I'm afraid I just couldn't get through it.

Roman Republican Legion Roman Legion Gladiator Types

We simply call him that because he'll be the one screaming 'Oh Lord' as he gets thrown over the Tarpeian Rock.

I usually try to convey the term barbarian within quotations... trying to give the impression that I use the term loosely. I'm open to using different terminology when it fits.

Welcome to the forum Caesar's 10th... I'm a little confused why you suggest we shouldn't discuss the show in a historical context. I have yet to see anyone in this thread who isn't open to changing views or impressions (I've personally been corrected on a thing or two in this thread). We offer a place to discuss history and that's what we do. To ignore the historical aspects of the show, as there are many things that are widely accepted and understood historical facts which the show sometimes presents accurately and sometimes not) would sort of defeat the purpose of this site.

No question? Do you not think so? I would be interested to hear what evidence you base this conclusion on. Personally, I understood Constantine to be sympathetic to Christianity, as to many of the numerous other religious forms available at the time, I wouldn't have thought it would occur to him that pagan institutions needed purging. But I stand ready to be corrected. He paved the way for the purge by stopping imperial funding of pagan institutions, confiscating temple treasures and diverting such things to the new Christian churches. I agree that he didn't personally 'purge' Paganism but that these types of actions set a precedent of anti-pagan policy in which the ante would eventually be upped. Had Constantine maintained true support of religious tolerance and the state continued to protect pagan tradition, perhaps the purging of Theodosius, etc. may have been blunted. That part is, of course, impossible to answer, and is simply my impression.

Banners, flags and shield markings could be different, but coloring wasn't based on the family house of the commanding general. Symbols, such as the Caesarean bull, often represented the person who founded a legion, but my point was simply that there was not an overall uniform scheme based on the general.

No, that's all video game/hollywood bunk. Differences in appearance would be strictly tied to the time period and regional availability of materials.

I also find Suetonius compelling and interesting, but understand his use of rumor and innuendo as a way to enhance a 'viewpoint'. I don't doubt the general tone of his works, only some of the details. We can be sure that Suetonius used first and second hand source materials, likely including interviews of witnesses and those who may have heard the stories from these witnesses. Unfortunately, he presents some of these details as facts when they are quite clearly a case of word of mouth hand me down. Is there basis for truth in much of his work? Absolutely. I just wish that the ancients had been more thorough in reporting and citing all their sources, but unfortunately, its just the way it was at the time. I have also been unable to find a complete (I have seen articles and essays) historical review of Suetonius (but there are some available on other ancients such as Tacitus) and would also love to see it if someone knows of one.

Naw, I figured it would just be an easy place where we can keep on eye on eachother's nations. I think there is a place where you can put yourself on vacation so your nation doesn't fold up shop while your away? [Edit: I went ahead and made a new region called UNRV, anyone should feel free to move]

They did use candles, but they were expensive in comparison to oil lamps. Candles might be more frequently seen in the households of the societal elite, but oil lamps would still be far more common.

Whooops, sorry 'bout that Germanicus

The idea of bending truth, adopting people and events to meet their own agenda, etc. is absolutely in line with most of early church history. No major surprises there. Constantine was a powerful man and iconic figure. There's no question that he helped pave the way for Christian dominance, and the purging of Pagan institutions, but the question has always been whether Constantine only did so completely for political gain, and what exactly he was personally involved in, vs. simply allowing to happen. The Church spreading the idea of the iconic Constantine's 'Catholocism' certainly helped it gain popularity with the masses, but its one of those endless debates among scholars that, much like the church, largely comes down to a matter of faith.