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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.

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