Tag Archives: Polybius

Grisly Roman Army Discipline

Posted on August 28, 2008 by 100swallows

How Rome Conquered the World (Part 4) Army Discipline Polybius admired the Roman camp but it was army discipline that really fascinated him. It fascinated everyone. It shocks today. It was strict to the point of inhumanity. Take guard duty. … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Romans, warfare | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

How Rome Conquered the World (Part 3)

Posted on August 25, 2008 by 100swallows

The Army Polybius knew the army was the key, all right. He had spent years in Roman army camps as guest of his distinguished friend Scipio Aemilianus, watching how everything was done, admiring army organization and discipline, taking notes for … Continue reading →

Posted in books, history, Romans, warfare | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Scipio Takes Command (Part 3)

Posted on August 15, 2008 by 100swallows

How could the Roman Assembly give the command of an army to a boy of twenty-seven (Livy says twenty-four)? Gold signet ring from Capua with the portrait of Scipio Africanus.  (late 3rd or early 2nd century B.C.)  (public domain photo) … Continue reading →

Posted in books, history, Romans, warfare | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments