Military History of Late Rome 395-425 (1).pdf

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The Military History

of Late Rome

395–425

For my wife Sini, and children Ari and Nanna

The Military

History of Late

Rome

395–425

Dr. Ilkka Syvänne

As Plato observed, the military is like a dog, who fights loyally for the master he

knows. Addressing soldiers of all ranks by name especially inspires them. Homer

voices this excellent advice through Agamemnon. Finally, war is the king’s craft and

his soldiers his tools. He must know them to use them well. … Naturally, his own

people best provide this soldiery. … The military must be kin with them it defends,

or it will prey upon them.

Synesius,

de Regno,

tr. by Alan Cameron