Should we call them Byzantines or Romans? (video version of this post)
speed drawing — Roman cavalryman
A time lapse illustration of a Roman auxiliary cavalryman, from the early 2nd century AD.
speed drawing — After Rome
A time lapse illustration of infantrymen from several different parts of the empire after the end of the Western Roman Empire.
How much can we blame barbarisation of the Roman army in leading to the end of the western empire in AD476?
Introduction
The ‘barbarisation’ of the Roman army has become a popular explanation for the end of the Roman Empire. While the empire possessed a strong army of professional Roman soldiers, it could not fail; therefore its end in AD476 was the result, directly or indirectly, of the failure of the army. And since by the fifth century AD the army had come to incorporate many non-Romans into its ranks, logic follows that this ‘de-romanisation’ of the army – the deterioration of Roman military discipline, the end of the legions of the Principate – made the army ineffective and weak.¹
Continue reading “How much can we blame barbarisation of the Roman army in leading to the end of the western empire in AD476?”byzantine or roman?
Byzantine or Roman?
I recognise that there are lots of reasons for calling them Romans — possibly I’d even say that’s the label that on balance makes a bit more sense. But I still lean toward calling them Byzantines.
Continue reading “byzantine or roman?”speed drawing — Random Ancient Warriors
A time lapse illustration of an assortment of ancient warriors, from the 13th century BC to the 7th century AD
speed drawing – Immortals
Immortals, 300-style vs Persian Wars-style
on living in tension
In Hong Kong we classify schools as local or international. The former follow a state-set, local curriculum, and most of them conduct lessons in Chinese. The latter are a more mixed bag, following a dizzying array of international curricula, and many of them catering to particular expat groups: Singapore International School, Japanese International School, Chinese International School, and French International School just to name a few. International schools tend to enjoy a higher reputation, not least because they are status symbols, but also because of the general high quality of the education and teachers.
But for a while I had leaned toward sending my children (if I ever have any) to a local school.
Continue reading “on living in tension”speed drawing – Thureophoroi
Speed draw of the thureophoroi, medium close-combat infantry of the Hellenistic world.
Men of the Eagle
The evolution of Roman and Byzantine infantry, from the dawn of Rome to the fall of Constantinople and beyond.
Remember, My Lord 