The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook
The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook
The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook
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<strong>The</strong> Emperor as commander-in-chief 73<br />
aspect of military life, though of course depending on his experience he would<br />
take advice from his commanders. It is hard to believe that during his short<br />
visit to Britain Claudius made much difference to the plans worked out by<br />
Aulus Plautius (cf. Dio, 60. 21; Suetonius, Claudius 17). We may contrast the<br />
more direct leadership of Domitian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, or Septimius<br />
Severus (Dio, 75. 11–12—siege of Hatra).<br />
130 Frontinus (1st–2nd C.AD), Stratagems 1. 3. 10<br />
When the Germans in their usual way kept emerging from woodland<br />
and concealed hiding-places to attack our soldiers while keeping a safe<br />
escape route through the recesses of the forest, Emperor Caesar<br />
Domitian Augustus by extending the frontier along a length of 120<br />
miles, not only altered the character of the war, but subjected the enemy<br />
to his control because he had uncovered their hiding-places.<br />
See also text no. 158.<br />
1<strong>31</strong> Dio, 68. 23<br />
He (Trajan) always marched on foot with the body of the army, looked<br />
after the dispositions of the troops during the entire campaign, drawing<br />
them up first in one formation, then another, and forded on foot all the<br />
rivers that they did. Sometimes he even circulated false reports through<br />
the scouts so that the soldiers might simultaneously practise their<br />
manoeuvres and be fearlessly ready to face any eventuality.<br />
Dio is referring to the Parthian war. <strong>The</strong> ideal of Trajan’s personal leadership in the<br />
Dacian wars is graphically expressed in the sculptures on his commemorative<br />
column, where the emperor is to the forefront of many scenes (see Plates 3 and 4).<br />
132 Fronto (2nd C.AD), Ad Verum Imp. 2. 3 (Loeb, vol. II, pp.<br />
194–6), AD 166<br />
(Lucius Verus to Fronto)… I am ready to agree to any suggestions as<br />
long as my achievements are highlighted by you. Naturally you will<br />
not omit my speeches to the senate and addresses to the army. I shall<br />
also send you the text of my negotiations with the enemy. <strong>The</strong>y will be<br />
a great help to you… You should spend a lot of time on the causes and<br />
early stages of the war, and particularly on the poor progress in my<br />
absence. You should come slowly to my role. Moreover, I think that it<br />
is essential to make clear how much the Parthians had the upper hand<br />
before my arrival, so that the extent of my achievements may be<br />
highlighted.