but weren't the Roman's always in some form of warfare, one way or another? They even have the familiar hyper patriotism attributed to that in order to justify aggressive acts. It seems a very systematic set of rules would have been established pre marian (this is when they become a professional force yes?) on par with Macedonian military. Even if Phalanx warfare was slowly becoming the old way there is still a lot to take from the home of conquerers of 'the world'
I certainly see the purpose of decimatio when dealing with levied militias but still. Excuse my ignorance on the subject but the reading just came to a very big surprise to me
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