Over the course of his reign Diocletian instituted a number of reforms to the military structure that helped transform the legions into a new kind of army.
125- The Best Defence is a Good Defence
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February 06, 2011
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great episode as usual Mike.. really interesting stuff
Posted by: matt, the netherlands | February 07, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Mike: This was a well done, very interesting episode re Diocletian's military innovations. I'm looking forward to the next two episodes and more innovations. A nice break from the parade of emporers.
Happy Birthday to Mr. and Mrs. THoR next week. A gift for each is on its way. Cheers.
Posted by: A Fan from the WATBL | February 07, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Your audible link doesn't work, and hasn't for quite some time.
Posted by: Tim | February 07, 2011 at 04:01 PM
It worked for me a week or so ago
Posted by: Ben Nicholson | February 08, 2011 at 12:40 PM
I enjoyed the episode agian, as always; also enjoyed the discussion of the views of different historians. Thanks.
Posted by: The History of England | February 09, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Hi Mike
Have you see these clips
history for music lovers youtube channel
Posted by: Paul | February 09, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Hi Mike,
Love your work. I've kept all your episodes thus far so that my daughter can enjoy them in a few years. Your work is priceless.
All the best
Kai (from Melbourne, Australia)
Posted by: Kai | February 10, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Speaking of the army, how did equipment/armor change for the soldiers from the time of Marius to the Crisis years, to the end of the Empire?
Posted by: Andrew | February 10, 2011 at 01:44 PM
I have found these sites very interesting, they deal with Roman Army history.
http://www.garyb.0catch.com/site_map.html
http://www.romanarmy.net/index.htm
The first one has popup advertising that fronts every page loaded but can be closed, a nuisance but the site is worth a look as it has many diagrams and is well researched. The second is the official site for a military history society. Lots of photos of re-enactments. If you are still thirsty for more, go to..
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/index.php?sid=efdcc8f2c4fe23427be45358cc3024bf
They have recently updated their site and there are forums to learn and share information. Another of my favourites is...
http://www.unrv.com/
Enjoy!
Posted by: Luise (Tasmania,Australia) | February 10, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Ave Mike:) A great episode. I wondered if you'd seen the latest news on the current mess in the Roman Empire?
http://www.boingboing.net/2011/02/13/a-bad-day-for-sultan.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+boingboing%2FiBag+%28Boing+Boing%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Posted by: Val in Vancouver | February 13, 2011 at 02:41 PM
The Roman legions now use scale mail armour (lorica squamata), seen on the Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki, instead of the segmented plates (lorica segmentata), seen on Trajan's column. The sword, which might be the long spatha and not the gladius, is now worn on the left instead of on the right. The shields are round and seem to be held with the left elbow flexed at 90 degrees (the rectangular shields of Trajan were supposedly held beside the body with the elbow straight). The helmets appear Germanic with metal nose and cheek guards and metal or mail neck guards.The pilum has also turned into a spear or spiculum. I think the Art of War states that the legions had returned to fighting in phalanges and not cohorts.
Posted by: Mark | February 14, 2011 at 08:52 PM