 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
|
Document Details : Title: Vegetius on Armour Subtitle: the pedites nudati of the Epitoma Rei Militaris Author(s): CHARLES, M. Journal: Ancient Society Volume: 33 Date: 2003 Pages: 127-167 DOI: 10.2143/AS.33.0.503598 Abstract : The present discussion will confine itself to one of the most intruguing statements of Vegetius in his Epitoma: that the infantry of his time no longer wore armour. Ass will be seen the epitomator's assertion does not seem to tally with views that the text was written during the reign of Theodosius the Great. Much ink has been spilt on the value of the information recorded at Epit. I 20,2-5, yet comparatively little attention has been paid to establishing exactly when -or, indeed, if- infantry armour really did fall in disuse. Using a range of literary sources pertaining a variety of genres, some of which would not normally be used for such a 'serious' purpose (the merit of this action will be explained in time), the author shall attempt to do precisely this. |
|
