Pertinax

One assumes that the ,apparent, total lack of unit cohesion ( or comprehension of such a concept) amongst the Icenii would make an atomised mass of individuals vulnerable to a body of men fighting as one and that the ability to "acquire and destroy" a given target is optimised for the Legions.So I suggest "killing" ability is maximised,as GO points out the Icenii were constantly in (individual) danger of flank assault, certainly the use of a "pigs head" or "swine array" was re-invented/assimilated by those a-Viking as a prime instrument for the penetration of defensive shield walls, the counter measure being an antagonistic array to break the momentum of the aggresing unit. The other element is the effect on morale of a numerically superoir force being unable to break down a much smaller army with its customary show of bravado and personal bravery, thence to be counter attacked .Perhaps the relative size of the armies lead to an even quicker "tipping point" of momentum and morale being lost. We posted at the same time saying similar things! Against more organised foes the attritional ability of the heavy troopers was still unsurpassed .

Here we have a straight line weapon with excellent accuracy and a 3 shot per minute capability.THis unit was demonstrated and hit a human target at 150 yards with three shots out of three. http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=906 projectile essentially a heavy arrow .Practical experience of use by LEG II AVG yields an interesting detail as to priming the weapon:the weapon was cranked using two men either side of a rear spool, using "spider" shaped winding handles, with the men facing the side of the unit, not using a "crank" handle facing forward. The turning moments on a crank are uneven and low in the down evolution stroke away from an operative, momentum is constant 9 and quicker) using the spider grip. http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=917

I was puzzling over that as well, wasnt the term meant to refer to the recoil from the mechanism-hence suggesting a particularly hefty piece of kit?

As I mentioned elsewhere LEG II AVG are in the neighbourhood soon , the artllery unit Optio might be at the next display so I will enquire as to sources for terminology versus era.

I agree with much of Skarrs post regarding the "original" but would like to add that the cinematography is truly outstanding. I have a restored "oysters vs molluscs" copy and despite some hammy villany (Marcellus and the wonderfully oily Tigranes Levantus ( great name casting)) I think Laughton and Ustinov are personally responsible for an entire generation's moral perception of Rome . I am Lentulus! Therefore I regret I shall have to sell you all.

As an aside to this thread and the review, The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization by the same authors is an excellent book (1998) http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0198609...ce&n=266239 it touches upon a huge range of issues and , I suspect , is rather more portable than the Dictionary and has plentiful illustrations .

Yes, but he wore a skirt. So that made him look taller?

Lex's post raises some very interesting questions.Some considerable time ago I had the loan of a work on the evolution of combat medicine, in an act of witlesness I failed to note its title and author , but the gist of the observation as regards Rome was as follows:(here we speak of the period from the rule of Augustus onward) regarding retrival of casualties , a key Roman policy was to "recycle" trained men, the economic and practical value of keeping troops fit and healthy , and returning seasoned and capable men to the foray was in itself a tactical victory over those who fought in a manner more appropriate to an "honour" culture. As a corollary of this the rapid removal of casualties from a combat area is vital, modern casevac is predicated on speed as a key factor in trauma survivability. By good fortune I will , I hope, be seeing my friend Oannes the Medicus of LEG II AVG this weekend and I will ask him as regards the sulphuring of wounds, certainly the correct disposition of limbs and musculature after treatment of a fracture wound was given proper consideration, limbs were "stretched" to correct lengths after deep dressings were applied to allow muscle and bone to re-grow. http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=916 This illustrates the "repaired" and stretched deep leg wound.

Caractacus and Venuntius were accredited as the most wiley and cunning of fighters, I assume this was because they had the brains to avoid set piece combat and attempt guerilla interdiction and attrition. I suggest the problem is perhaps what we see in Saxon hearth troops ...men of fearsome fighting ability , the Huscarls are one of the most excellent elite units ever to grace the earth, but with a restricted personal loyalty to a "King".The cultural definition of honour and dignity are key issues here, if you take the cultural leap to mobilisation of "state " troops , by nature a considerable body of men, versus personal thegns , then numbers and discipline are key whereas honour and individuality are valuable but not the key to victory.

My first job was odds of 1500/1 and I got it, , try try try try and try again, do not loose heart do not give up! As you truly desire so you will achieve. Roma Victor!

wasnt Augustus taller than Bush?

Time is, very much ,on your side. Nil Desperandum.

Indeed , Pedarius is just too pedestrian.

If I was to revert to a "Dark Ages" mindset my first suggestion would be the rendering down of valuable plate and objets d'art to make basic manipulable metals , I have posted elsewhere as regards the Celts focus of expression vai the plastic arts -whilst I undersatand the Vandal context of the posting I am minded to suggest a similar fate.

Oh excellent, any additions to the bibilography and toxicology are welcome. :notworthy: AAh Perseus links...but a sub forum I hadnt seen. The details as regards Rue are interesting , I have posted previously but, I think this is a key Roman abortifactant.OK people willl be squeamish about this but the various practical methods of population control are deeply significant demographic indicators. http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=336 here is my original gallery post and discussion.

Oh no, you have just added to my already elephantine reading list

"corpulence makes a man reasonable. pleasant and phlegmatic" quoth Charles Laughton as Gracchus in the film. "Xenobias put some weight on since I saw her last" (Ustinov appreciativley) "yes , yes, I like it!" (Laughton complacently) "so do I" (Ustinov lasciviously)

It was too late after the uprising, the Icenii suffered not only Roman reprisals but famine from their inattention to proper agriculture .