Roman
Romans in Egypt
At the death of Ptolemy IX in 80 BC, his daughter Berenice III became the sole ruler. But Ptolemy XI, the son of Ptolemy X, was recalled from Rome (where he was a client of Sulla) to be co-regent, thanks to Sulla’s intervention (Appian, Bella Civilia 1.102). This was the first Roman active involvement in Egyptian politics since Popilius Leanas…
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THE ROMAN WAR MACHINE VICTORIOUSÂ II
PHILIPPI: TRICKERY, BRAVERY AND SUICIDE Playing tricks on the enemy was an excellent way of seizing the advantage, but it could have unforeseen consequences. In October 42 BC at Philippi, two years after the assassination of Julius Caesar, Antony and Octavian were determined to force Caesar’s killers Brutus and Cassius…
THE ROMAN WAR MACHINE VICTORIOUSÂ III
IN THE FIELD One of the great strengths of the Roman army was the range of available troops, but circumstances dictated which were best in any given situation. Sarmatian cavalry had a reputation for being among the most dangerous and terrifying troops; when they were on their horses they were…
THE ROMAN WAR MACHINE VICTORIOUSÂ IV
TRIUMPHS The tradition of holding triumphs was well established in the Republic, and especially so during the period of heavy fighting following the Second Punic War. When a triumph was awarded, a major public celebration followed in which the general, now hailed imperator, decorated the best performing and bravest soldiers,…
ROMAN FRONTIER DEFENSE
Fort at Vindolanda, AD 105. The fort housed the First Tungrian cohort and a Batavian cohort. WALL OF HADRIAN By far the most famous defensive barrier in the Roman Empire; served for nearly 300 years as one of the major dividing lines between Roman Britain and the barbarians of Caledonia.…
Conspiracy Theory
The British security situation deteriorated in the 360s. At the start of the decade we are told that `savage tribes of the Scots and Picts, who had broken the peace that had been agreed upon, were laying waste the regions near the frontiers’. Worse followed in 367, when a crisis…
THE ROMAN ARMY – LIVING OFF THE LAND I
This war will support itself Cato the Elder instructs his men to take what they need The impact of the Roman army on the environment was gigantic, at least by the standards of the ancient world. The construction of forts and fortifications was only the start. Peacetime activities also included…