The march to Masada

Two passages from Josephus’ Jewish War give us the best account of the contemporary Roman marching order – at 3.6.2 and 5.2.1. He calls it the “customary” marching order. The first is Vespasian’s order of march from Ptolemais (modern Acre, Israel) in AD 67; the second Titus’ marching order in his advance on Jerusalem in AD 69/70. As presumably an eyewitness’ account, Josephus’ description should be very reliable. According to Josephus, in front of the main line of march were light-armed troops and archers in advance to act as scouts and “repel any sudden incursions of the enemy and to explore suspected woodland suited for the concealment of ambuscades” (3.6.2). The light troops were followed by a contingent of both legionaries and cavalry, then a contingent of ten men from…

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Ancient Warfare (Digital) - 1 Issue, AW XVII.5

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