Pertinax

I would go father and suggest it's the rule not the exception! Johnson sems to be leading to a " beyond the pale " non-Roman world in Hibernia and the remote outer Islands of Scotland , where travel by sea between very small communities was the only form of mobility. These areas retaining total autonomy because of the very small numbers of persons involved.

I am just trying to quickly get through "Later Roman Britain" by S Johnson (out of print), this gives some weight to the raiding of Britain from Ireland, particularly with the establishment of settlements of Scotti in Wales and Scotland (areas ,of course ,as generally unromanised as the point of origin). So we must take care on evidential finds in Ireland as they may be inter tribe movement of goods.

I see a rough consensus is emerging, perhaps a one day "dry run " might now be useful to scout out the terrain, for a more prestigious pitching of tents and standards in the spring?

If my understanding of metalworking skills as regards medical equipment is pertinent, there may be an analogy to be drawn . The superior overall quality, superior finish and fineness of instruments increased toward Rome . Found instruments become larger, clumsier and cruder as one progressed to the edge of the known world. So I tentativly suggest it is , not unreasonable , to build in a quality factor in mettalurgical practice. That is most interesting.

Yes indeed, a new stick that very day!

I see youve all been busy on this topic! http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=953 Here we are-Primus Pilus of LEG II AVG , with scutum!

This is indeed true, but when his century was in tight formation he would more or less be on the sidelines giving the orders. My apologies, for I have just realised how incoherent this statement is--I only got two hours sleep last night...damn that Who Wants to be a Millionaire marathon. Anyway, what I meant to say is that if the Centurion was in the thick of battle, he would probably be at the side of his formation while fighting and giving orders. And as he is on the side, he would have more space to manoeuvre, meaning that there would be not need for him to wear his gladius on his right. I did actually realise what you meant , as opposed to what you said . You are absolutely correct-he wasnt going to elbow anyone in the face drawing the sword nor cut across anyone with a sideways draw to his right hand side.

I recognise that, is it the tombstone for a Thracian cavalry auxiliary? Correct , with all the stylised ritualistic elements included, (most obviously the defeated pictish enemy), but also the formulaic "head" of the stone showing the deities, ( and sometimes the person themselves at a banquet with the deities).

Thats a very good point, in fact you'd expect a lot of spear armed "lightweights" with saex as a personal side arm and the "toffs" with good quality longswords. The saex was available in every conceivable size, from food knife to "something for the weeekend raid".

He could still be in the thick of combat if he was at the sideline of the formation. Not necessarily, many military tombstones have been found in Britain hundreds of miles away from the person which they commemorate. I think it was only really the higher ranks of the military that received the honour of being buried in their birthplace. This may be of interest, remember the memoria were also stylised , this is a good example : http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=951 AS your Medicus I strongly advise immediate ingestion.

Ray Stevenson's commentary is excellent, he obviously enjoyed himself enormously making the show but the info he gives about the sets is good-the depth of authenticity is possibly greater than one first appreciates.The historical research on colour, decor, clothes, mode of living, relationships ...whatever has been given considered attention. Stevenson also comes over as a very pleasant and witty person. edit: the "shot by shot" extra on the Gladiatorial combat sequence (blending cgi to live action, use of props etc is very good) shows Stevenson and McKidd doing their own stunt work.

The underarm is exposed-most dangerous to ones health and vitality.

I swear I've never seen them with one! I believe you though. Often in re-enactments the Centurion is showing off his phalerae to an admiring public , but if you flick through the relevant galleries on my msn blog you will see Centurions of LEG VIII and LEG II with their men. My reply sounded a little harsh , that is not as I intended.

If we are also to beleive that a Legionary could stab twice or possibly three times within a counter stroke from a long sword then the tactical advantadge is huge. Only the highest ranking Celts , it is suggested, had swords that were of a quality to sustain usage. A short sword is not subject to the same bending moments on impact.Does anyone have notes on the quality of smithying at this time? Certainly the Wealden Iron industry in Kent was most thoroughly organised by the Romans, one suspects that perhaps factory controlled production for gladii was more consistent than bespoke production of longswords for the elite and village smithy output for everyone else .

As a digression I can tell you why the common soldiery thought Officers "bought it " in the first WW , their thin knees. The profile they presented to the enemy was quite distinct, taller, spindlier , with high puttees and revolvers on lanyards-but the joke was as regards their physical shape , the men were all alleged to be short and knobbly the officers etoliated and boney.My late Uncle Frank ( Somme) also rather unfairly suggested it was because "they were a set of twerps".I think he really meant the "higher ups", but he was venting a little class hatred.I think Graves in "Goodbye to All That" talks of the very same thing. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0140274...ce&n=266239 The Centurions would be exposed on the right hand side of the formation they lead , and I assume that they must, by the very prestige of their rank and the nature of Roman ideals , press forward with great resolution . Note:They certainly did carry shields of the same shape and size of those of the unit they lead.

what is the quotation " the Roman sword can both stab and cut, but the Celtic sword can only cut, and that needs a little room", I paraphrase badly, but I think you have it there.

The centurions were at the head of the battle. Am I right to suggest that Centurions suffered a disproportianate casualty rate ? Does anyone have a source as relates to this suggestion?

Directors commentary on episodes one and two quite informative, nothing heavy but some interesting details that members may be unaware of . Some obvious things I should have known , for example-the brighter your clothes the richer you were , discreet pastels and dung colours were not signs of good breeding. The photo album on disc 6 is quite reasonable if you want to choose a Rome desktop. About to listen to Ray Stevenson's (Pullo) commentary on episode 5 "The Ram has touched the wall"

Some evening wear Domina?