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 – Immortals
Immortals, 300-style vs Persian Wars-style
A-Z of Warriors
A vaguely rhyming A to Z of warriors from all over the world, from the Bronze Age to today.
speed drawing – Mongol Lancer
Speed draw of a Mongol lancer, terror of the 13th century.
on William Wallace’s ghost
William Wallace is one of the great names of Scottish history, quite possibly the country’s George Washington (though unlike Washington he didn’t survive his War of Independence to rule the new country — that would fall to Robert the Bruce). Like Washington, Wallace’s ghost has been periodically called up to support this or that cause. This essay will briefly explore how Wallace’s legacy has been handled and manipulated in the centuries after his death. Continue reading “on William Wallace’s ghost”
on truth and blame
We’re at a delicate moment right now.
Now that the spectre of human extinction has passed – though there may yet be dark days ahead for many countries – we’re approaching the recovery phase, and most sensationally, the planning-who-to-tar-and-feather-for-this-whole-fiasco phase.
Two things we should think about looking ahead:
Disinformation is here to stay. Given that world leaders and state apparatuses at large have been guilty of this for the past five years or so, it’s not surprising at all that the sword of untruth has been wielded these past few months to silence dissent and rally wavering political foundations.
One thing though is now different. Continue reading “on truth and blame”
speed drawing – Arming a Centurion
The arming process of the 1st century-Roman centurion, of 100-men-commanding, stick-on-back-breaking, faith-in-the-Messiah-having fame.
Remember, My Lord 