Romans at WarRomans at War

1 Naval Warfare1 Naval Warfare

The Roman Navy (The Roman Navy (ClassisClassis))

Rome acquired significant naval Rome acquired significant naval force in First Punic Warforce in First Punic War

200 quinqueremes were built 200 quinqueremes were built Quinquereme had 5 decks of rowersQuinquereme had 5 decks of rowersSimilar to Greek triremesSimilar to Greek triremes

Greek Trireme Greek Trireme

QuinqueremeQuinquereme

The Roman The Roman corvuscorvus New Roman fleet inferior to Carthaginian; Roman rowers New Roman fleet inferior to Carthaginian; Roman rowers

inexperiencedinexperienced Were no match for enemy’s manoeuvres:Were no match for enemy’s manoeuvres: deikplousdeikplous: attacking ship sailing through enemy line, then : attacking ship sailing through enemy line, then

attacking the sternsattacking the sterns periplous:periplous: attacking by turning around enemy flank, attacking by turning around enemy flank,

attacking sternsattacking sterns Aim of both manoeuvres to get in position to ram enemy Aim of both manoeuvres to get in position to ram enemy

ships by destroying oars of disabling ships by using artillery ships by destroying oars of disabling ships by using artillery on board on board

Both manoeuvres required extensive manoeuvring power – Both manoeuvres required extensive manoeuvring power – Roman sailors did not haveRoman sailors did not have

Romans invented the Romans invented the corvus corvus to counter disability: a to counter disability: a grappling bridge attached to the mast on bow of ship; could grappling bridge attached to the mast on bow of ship; could be dropped onto deck of enemy vessel, allowing marines to be dropped onto deck of enemy vessel, allowing marines to board enemy ship.board enemy ship.

The The corvuscorvus (Polybius 1.22-23)(Polybius 1.22-23)

2222 22 At the same time, hearing that the enemy's fleet was not far distant,  At the same time, hearing that the enemy's fleet was not far distant, they began to get ready for sea-battle. they began to get ready for sea-battle. 33 As their ships were ill-built and slow  As their ships were ill-built and slow in their movements, someone suggested to them as a help in fighting the in their movements, someone suggested to them as a help in fighting the engines which afterwards came to be called "ravens".engines which afterwards came to be called "ravens". 44 They were  They were constructed as follows: On the prow stood a round pole four fathoms in constructed as follows: On the prow stood a round pole four fathoms in height and three palms in diameter. height and three palms in diameter. 55 This pole had a pulley at the summit  This pole had a pulley at the summit and round it was put a gangway made of cross planks attached by nails, and round it was put a gangway made of cross planks attached by nails, ••four feet in width and six fathoms in length. four feet in width and six fathoms in length. 66 In this gangway was an oblong  In this gangway was an oblong hole,hole,22 and it went round the pole at a distance of and it went round the pole at a distance of ••two fathoms from its near two fathoms from its near end. The gangway also had a railing on each of its long sides as high as a end. The gangway also had a railing on each of its long sides as high as a man's knee. man's knee. 77 At its extremity was fastened an iron object like a pestle  At its extremity was fastened an iron object like a pestle pointed at one end and with a ring at the other end, so that the whole looked pointed at one end and with a ring at the other end, so that the whole looked like the machine for pounding corn. like the machine for pounding corn. 88 To this ring was attached a rope with  To this ring was attached a rope with which, when the ship charged an enemy, they raised the ravens by means of which, when the ship charged an enemy, they raised the ravens by means of the pulley on the pole and let them down on the enemy's deck, sometimes the pulley on the pole and let them down on the enemy's deck, sometimes from the prow and sometimes bringing them round when the ships collided from the prow and sometimes bringing them round when the ships collided p63broadsides. p63broadsides. 99 Once the ravens were fixed in the planks of the enemy's  Once the ravens were fixed in the planks of the enemy's deck and grappled the ships together, if they were broadside on, they deck and grappled the ships together, if they were broadside on, they boarded from all directions but if they charged with the prow, they attacked boarded from all directions but if they charged with the prow, they attacked by passing over the gangway of the raven itself two abreast. by passing over the gangway of the raven itself two abreast. 1010 The leading  The leading pair protected the front by holding up their shields, and those who followed pair protected the front by holding up their shields, and those who followed secured the two flanks by resting the rims of their shields on the top of the secured the two flanks by resting the rims of their shields on the top of the railing. railing. 1111 Having, then, adopted this device, they awaited an opportunity for  Having, then, adopted this device, they awaited an opportunity for going into action. going into action.

continuedcontinued On approaching and seeing the ravens nodding aloft on the prow of On approaching and seeing the ravens nodding aloft on the prow of

each ship, the Carthaginians were at first nonplussed, being surprised each ship, the Carthaginians were at first nonplussed, being surprised at the construction of the engines. However, as they entirely gave at the construction of the engines. However, as they entirely gave the enemy up for lost, the front ships attacked daringly. the enemy up for lost, the front ships attacked daringly. 66 But when  But when the ships that came into collision were in p65every case held fast by the ships that came into collision were in p65every case held fast by the machines, and the Roman crews boarded by means of the ravens the machines, and the Roman crews boarded by means of the ravens and attacked them hand to hand on deck, some of the Carthaginians and attacked them hand to hand on deck, some of the Carthaginians were cut down and others surrendered from dismay at what was were cut down and others surrendered from dismay at what was happening, the battle having become just like a fight on land. happening, the battle having become just like a fight on land. 77 So  So the first thirty ships that engaged were taken with all their crews, the first thirty ships that engaged were taken with all their crews, including the commander's galley, Hannibal himself managing to including the commander's galley, Hannibal himself managing to escape beyond his hopes by a miracle in the jolly-boat. escape beyond his hopes by a miracle in the jolly-boat. 88 The rest of  The rest of the Carthaginian force was bearing up as if to charge the enemy, but the Carthaginian force was bearing up as if to charge the enemy, but seeing, as they approached, the fate of the advanced ships they seeing, as they approached, the fate of the advanced ships they turned aside and avoided the blows of the engines. turned aside and avoided the blows of the engines. 99 Trusting in their  Trusting in their swiftness, they veered round the enemy in the hope of being able to swiftness, they veered round the enemy in the hope of being able to strike him in safety either on the broadside or on the stern, strike him in safety either on the broadside or on the stern, 1010 but  but when the ravens swung round and plunged down in all directions and when the ravens swung round and plunged down in all directions and in all manner of ways so that those who approached them were of in all manner of ways so that those who approached them were of necessity grappled, they finally gave way and took to flight, terror-necessity grappled, they finally gave way and took to flight, terror-stricken by this novel experience and with the loss of fifty ships. stricken by this novel experience and with the loss of fifty ships.

Frontview of quinquereme with Frontview of quinquereme with corvuscorvus

Naval fightNaval fight Ramming was the standard way of attackRamming was the standard way of attack Rams = Rams = rostrarostra Normally preceded by attack with arrows or other missiles Normally preceded by attack with arrows or other missiles

from deckfrom deck One particular maneuver was to move up close to enemy One particular maneuver was to move up close to enemy

vessel and shear off the oarsvessel and shear off the oars Smaller warships: monoremes, biremes (Liburnians), Smaller warships: monoremes, biremes (Liburnians),

triremestriremes In most battles – larger quantity of smaller ships – faster In most battles – larger quantity of smaller ships – faster

and more maneuverableand more maneuverable Larger: quadriremes; quinqueremes; hexaremes Larger: quadriremes; quinqueremes; hexaremes (Ops(Ops - -

Plenty) and biggerPlenty) and bigger Romans called warship Romans called warship navis longanavis longa (long ship) (long ship) Some equipped with Some equipped with turresturres (turrets) on forecastle from (turrets) on forecastle from

which missiles could be fired which missiles could be fired Parasemum Parasemum – figurehead that distinguished each ship– figurehead that distinguished each ship

Trajan at the helm of a Trajan at the helm of a biremebireme

Speech of Octavian to his troops Speech of Octavian to his troops just before the battle at Actiumjust before the battle at Actium

Cassius Dio 50.30.4Cassius Dio 50.30.4 4 “….4 “…. In fact, they have placed in their  In fact, they have placed in their

ships the best and most valuable of the ships the best and most valuable of the possessions they have with them, in order possessions they have with them, in order to escape with them if they can. Since, then, to escape with them if they can. Since, then, they admit that they are weaker than we, they admit that they are weaker than we, and since they carry the prizes of victory in and since they carry the prizes of victory in their ships, let us not allow them to sail their ships, let us not allow them to sail anywhere else, but let us conquer them anywhere else, but let us conquer them here on the spot and take all these here on the spot and take all these treasures away from them." treasures away from them."

The naval battle at Actium as The naval battle at Actium as described by Cassius Dio (164 –c. described by Cassius Dio (164 –c. 235 CE)235 CE)

Although not necessarily the exact Although not necessarily the exact way the battle went at Actium, it is a way the battle went at Actium, it is a graphic description of a naval battlegraphic description of a naval battle

Actium (Cassius Dio 50.31)Actium (Cassius Dio 50.31) 33  … following the plan of Antony, put large numbers of infantry   … following the plan of Antony, put large numbers of infantry

on board his ships also, and placed all his friends in auxiliary boats on board his ships also, and placed all his friends in auxiliary boats in order that they might quietly sail here and there, giving the in order that they might quietly sail here and there, giving the necessary advice to men in action and reporting to him what he necessary advice to men in action and reporting to him what he ought to know; then he waited for the enemy to sail out. ought to know; then he waited for the enemy to sail out. 44 And  And when they set sail at the sound of the trumpet, and with their when they set sail at the sound of the trumpet, and with their ships in dense array drew up their line a little outside the strait ships in dense array drew up their line a little outside the strait and advanced no further, Caesar set out as if to engage with and advanced no further, Caesar set out as if to engage with them, if they stood their ground, or even to make them retire. But them, if they stood their ground, or even to make them retire. But when they neither came out against him on their side nor turned when they neither came out against him on their side nor turned to retire, but remained where they were, and not only that, but to retire, but remained where they were, and not only that, but also vastly increased the density of their line by their close also vastly increased the density of their line by their close formation, formation, 55 Caesar checked his course, in doubt what to do. He  Caesar checked his course, in doubt what to do. He then ordered his sailors to let their oars rest in the water, and then ordered his sailors to let their oars rest in the water, and waited for a time; .. he suddenly, at a given signal, led forward waited for a time; .. he suddenly, at a given signal, led forward both his wings and bent his line in the form of a crescent, hoping if both his wings and bent his line in the form of a crescent, hoping if possible to surround the enemy, or otherwise to break their possible to surround the enemy, or otherwise to break their formation in any case. formation in any case. 66 Antony, accordingly,  Antony, accordingly, fearing this fearing this flanking and encircling movement, advanced to meet it as flanking and encircling movement, advanced to meet it as best he could, and thus reluctantly joined battle with best he could, and thus reluctantly joined battle with CaesarCaesar. .

Actium continued 2Actium continued 2 3232 So they engaged and began the conflict, each side So they engaged and began the conflict, each side

indulging in a great deal of exhortation to its own men in indulging in a great deal of exhortation to its own men in order to call forth the skill and zeal of the fighters, and also order to call forth the skill and zeal of the fighters, and also hearing many orders shouted out to them from the men on hearing many orders shouted out to them from the men on shore. shore. 22 The struggle was not of a similar nature on the two  The struggle was not of a similar nature on the two sides, but Caesar's followers, having smaller and swifter sides, but Caesar's followers, having smaller and swifter ships, would dash forward and ram the enemy, being ships, would dash forward and ram the enemy, being armoured on all sides to avoid receiving damage. If they armoured on all sides to avoid receiving damage. If they sank a vessel, well and good; if not, they would back water sank a vessel, well and good; if not, they would back water before coming to grips, before coming to grips, 33 and would either ram the same  and would either ram the same vessels suddenly again, or would let those go and turn their vessels suddenly again, or would let those go and turn their attention to others; and having done some damage to these attention to others; and having done some damage to these also, so far as they could in a brief time, they would also, so far as they could in a brief time, they would proceed against others and then against still others, in proceed against others and then against still others, in order that their assault upon any vessel might be so far as order that their assault upon any vessel might be so far as possible unexpected. possible unexpected.

Continued 3Continued 3 44 For since they dreaded the long-range  For since they dreaded the long-range

missiles of the enemy no less than their missiles of the enemy no less than their fighting at close quarters, they wasted no fighting at close quarters, they wasted no time either in the approach or in the time either in the approach or in the encounter, but running up suddenly so as to encounter, but running up suddenly so as to reach their object before the enemy's reach their object before the enemy's archers could get in their work, they would archers could get in their work, they would inflict injuries or else cause just enough inflict injuries or else cause just enough disturbance to escape being held, and then disturbance to escape being held, and then would retire out of range. would retire out of range. 55 The enemy, on  The enemy, on the other hand, tried to hit the approaching the other hand, tried to hit the approaching ships with dense showers of stones and ships with dense showers of stones and arrows, and to cast iron grapnels upon their arrows, and to cast iron grapnels upon their assailants. assailants.

Continued 4Continued 4 66 And in case they could reach them they got the  And in case they could reach them they got the

better of it, but if they missed, their own boats would better of it, but if they missed, their own boats would be pierced and would sink, or else in their endeavour be pierced and would sink, or else in their endeavour to avoid this calamity they would waste time and lay to avoid this calamity they would waste time and lay themselves more open to attack by other ships; for themselves more open to attack by other ships; for two or three ships would fall at one time upon the two or three ships would fall at one time upon the same ship, some doing all the damage they could same ship, some doing all the damage they could while the others took the brunt of the injuries. while the others took the brunt of the injuries. 77 On  On the one side the pilots and the the one side the pilots and the rowers rowers endured the endured the most hardship and fatigue, and on the other side the most hardship and fatigue, and on the other side the marines; and the one side resembled cavalry, now marines; and the one side resembled cavalry, now making a charge and now retreating, since it was in making a charge and now retreating, since it was in their power to attack and back off at will, and the their power to attack and back off at will, and the others were like heavy-armed troops guarding others were like heavy-armed troops guarding against the approach of foes and trying their best to against the approach of foes and trying their best to hold them. hold them.

Continued 5Continued 5

88 Consequently each gained advantages  Consequently each gained advantages over the other; the one party would run in over the other; the one party would run in upon the lines of oars projecting from the upon the lines of oars projecting from the ships and shatter the blades, and the other ships and shatter the blades, and the other party, fighting from the higher level, would party, fighting from the higher level, would sink them with stones and engines. On the sink them with stones and engines. On the other hand, there were also disadvantages other hand, there were also disadvantages on each side: the one party could do no on each side: the one party could do no damage to the enemy when it approached, damage to the enemy when it approached, and the other party, if in any case it failed to and the other party, if in any case it failed to sink a vessel which it rammed, was hemmed sink a vessel which it rammed, was hemmed in no longer fought an equal contest. in no longer fought an equal contest.

Battle undecidedBattle undecidedCleopatra fled with her shipsCleopatra fled with her ships

Cassius Dio 50.33Cassius Dio 50.33 While they were occupied in this way their While they were occupied in this way their

adversaries fell upon them; they had not pursued adversaries fell upon them; they had not pursued the fugitives, because they themselves were the fugitives, because they themselves were without sails and were prepared only for a naval without sails and were prepared only for a naval battle, and there were many to fight against each battle, and there were many to fight against each ship, both from afar and alongside. ship, both from afar and alongside. 66 Therefore  Therefore on both sides alike the conflict took on the on both sides alike the conflict took on the greatest variety and was waged with the utmost greatest variety and was waged with the utmost bitterness. bitterness. For Caesar's menFor Caesar's men damaged the damaged the lower parts of the ships all around, crushed lower parts of the ships all around, crushed the oars, snapped off the rudders, and the oars, snapped off the rudders, and climbing on the decks, seized hold of some climbing on the decks, seized hold of some of the foe and pulled them down, pushed off of the foe and pulled them down, pushed off others, and fought with yet others, since others, and fought with yet others, since they were now equal to them in numbers; they were now equal to them in numbers;

continuedcontinued   and Antony's and Antony's men pushed their assailantsmen pushed their assailants

back with back with boathooks, cut them down with boathooks, cut them down with axes, hurled down upon them stones and axes, hurled down upon them stones and heavy missilesheavy missiles made ready for just this purpose, made ready for just this purpose, drove back those who tried to climb up, and drove back those who tried to climb up, and fought with those who came within reach. fought with those who came within reach. 88 An  An eye-witness of what took place might have eye-witness of what took place might have compared it, likening small things to great, compared it, likening small things to great, to to walled townswalled towns or else islands, many in number or else islands, many in number and close together, being besieged from the sea. and close together, being besieged from the sea. Thus the one party strove to scale the boats as Thus the one party strove to scale the boats as they would the dry land or a fortress, and eagerly they would the dry land or a fortress, and eagerly brought to bear all the implements that have to do brought to bear all the implements that have to do with such an operation, and the others tried to with such an operation, and the others tried to repel them, devising every means that is repel them, devising every means that is commonly used in such a case. commonly used in such a case.

3434 As the fight continued equal, Caesar, at a loss As the fight continued equal, Caesar, at a loss what he should do, what he should do, sent for fire from the sent for fire from the camp. Previously he had wished to avoid camp. Previously he had wished to avoid using it, in order to gain possession of the using it, in order to gain possession of the money;money; but now that he saw it was impossible but now that he saw it was impossible for him to win in any other way, he had recourse for him to win in any other way, he had recourse to this, as the only thing that would assist him. to this, as the only thing that would assist him. 22 And now another kind of battle was entered  And now another kind of battle was entered upon. The assailants would approach their victims upon. The assailants would approach their victims from many directions at once, shoot blazing from many directions at once, shoot blazing missiles at them, hurl with their hands torches missiles at them, hurl with their hands torches fastened to javelins and with the aid of engines fastened to javelins and with the aid of engines would throw from a distance pots full of charcoal would throw from a distance pots full of charcoal and pitch. and pitch.

50.34.350.34.3 The defenders tried to ward these  The defenders tried to ward these missiles off one by one, and when some of them missiles off one by one, and when some of them got past them and caught the timbers and at once got past them and caught the timbers and at once started a great fire, as must be the case in a ship, started a great fire, as must be the case in a ship, they used first the drinking water which they they used first the drinking water which they carried on board and extinguished some of the carried on board and extinguished some of the conflagrations, and when that was gone they conflagrations, and when that was gone they dipped up the sea-water. dipped up the sea-water. 44 And if they used great  And if they used great quantities of it at once, they would somehow quantities of it at once, they would somehow p513stop the fire by main force; but they were p513stop the fire by main force; but they were unable to do this everywhere, for the buckets they unable to do this everywhere, for the buckets they had were not numerous nor large size, and in their had were not numerous nor large size, and in their confusion they brought them up half full, so that, confusion they brought them up half full, so that, far from helping the situation at all, they only far from helping the situation at all, they only increased the flames, since salt water poured on a increased the flames, since salt water poured on a fire in small quantities makes it burn vigorously. fire in small quantities makes it burn vigorously.

50.34.550.34.5 So when they found themselves getting  So when they found themselves getting the worst of it in this respect also, they heaped on the worst of it in this respect also, they heaped on the blaze their thick mantles and the corpses, and the blaze their thick mantles and the corpses, and for a time these checked the fire and it seemed to for a time these checked the fire and it seemed to abate; but later, especially when the wind raged abate; but later, especially when the wind raged furiously, the flames flared up more than ever, furiously, the flames flared up more than ever, fed by this very fuel. fed by this very fuel. 66 So long as only a part of  So long as only a part of the ship was on fire, men would stand by that the ship was on fire, men would stand by that part and leap into it, hewing away or scattering part and leap into it, hewing away or scattering the timbers; and these detached timbers were the timbers; and these detached timbers were hurled by some into the sea and by others hurled by some into the sea and by others against their opponents, in the hope that they, against their opponents, in the hope that they, too, might possibly be injured by these missiles. too, might possibly be injured by these missiles.

5.34.75.34.7 Others would go to the still sound portion  Others would go to the still sound portion of their ship and now more than ever would make of their ship and now more than ever would make use of their grappling-irons and their long spears use of their grappling-irons and their long spears with the purpose of binding some hostile ship to with the purpose of binding some hostile ship to theirs and crossing over to it, if possible, or, if not, theirs and crossing over to it, if possible, or, if not, of setting it on fire likewise. of setting it on fire likewise. 3535 But when none of But when none of the enemy came near enough, since they were the enemy came near enough, since they were guarding against this very thing, and when the fire guarding against this very thing, and when the fire spread to the encircling walls and descended into spread to the encircling walls and descended into the hold, the most terrible of fates came upon the hold, the most terrible of fates came upon them. them. 22 Some, and particularly the sailors,  Some, and particularly the sailors, perished by the smoke before the flame so much perished by the smoke before the flame so much as approached them, while others were roasted in as approached them, while others were roasted in the midst of it as though in ovens. Others were the midst of it as though in ovens. Others were consumed in their armour when it became heated. consumed in their armour when it became heated.

50.34.350.34.3 There were still others, who, before they  There were still others, who, before they should suffer such a death, or when they were half-should suffer such a death, or when they were half-

burned, threw off their armour and were wounded burned, threw off their armour and were wounded by the shots which came from a distance, or again by the shots which came from a distance, or again leaped into the sea and were drowned, or were leaped into the sea and were drowned, or were struck by their opponents and sank, or were struck by their opponents and sank, or were mangled by sea-monsters. mangled by sea-monsters. 44 Those alone found a  Those alone found a death that was tolerable, considering the sufferings death that was tolerable, considering the sufferings which prevailed, who were killed by their fellows in which prevailed, who were killed by their fellows in return for the same service, or else killed return for the same service, or else killed themselves, before any such fate could befall themselves, before any such fate could befall them; for they not only had no tortures to endure, them; for they not only had no tortures to endure, but when dead had the burning ships for their but when dead had the burning ships for their funeral pyres. funeral pyres.

Rewards of greedRewards of greed 50. 35. 550. 35. 5 When Caesar's forces saw the  When Caesar's forces saw the

situation, they at first refrained from situation, they at first refrained from approaching the enemy, since some of them approaching the enemy, since some of them were still able to defend themselves; but were still able to defend themselves; but when the fire began to destroy the ships, and when the fire began to destroy the ships, and the men, far from being able to do any harm the men, far from being able to do any harm to an enemy, could not even help themselves to an enemy, could not even help themselves any longer, they eagerly sailed up to them in any longer, they eagerly sailed up to them in the hope that they might possibly gain the hope that they might possibly gain possession of the money, and they possession of the money, and they endeavoured to extinguish the fire which they endeavoured to extinguish the fire which they themselves had caused. themselves had caused. 66 Consequently  Consequently many of these men also fell victims to the many of these men also fell victims to the flames and to their own rapacity. flames and to their own rapacity.

Victory Monument commemorating Victory Monument commemorating the Battle at Actium the Battle at Actium (Vatican Museum)(Vatican Museum)

Many victory Many victory monuments were monuments were erected throughout erected throughout Italy and the Italy and the empireempire

This relief was This relief was found in Palestine found in Palestine (note the crocodile, (note the crocodile, symbolizing Egypt)symbolizing Egypt)

The role of the Roman NavyThe role of the Roman Navy Augustus established the first permanent navyAugustus established the first permanent navy Based at Misenum and at Ravenna, protecting the eastern and western Based at Misenum and at Ravenna, protecting the eastern and western

Italian costlineItalian costline Over time navy bases also established wherever Roman military was Over time navy bases also established wherever Roman military was

active: mainly in Germany, Britain, on the Danube and the Pontic Seaactive: mainly in Germany, Britain, on the Danube and the Pontic Sea Over time manpower increased to about 30,000; recruited from non-Over time manpower increased to about 30,000; recruited from non-

citizens in the Provinces (auxiliaries); in Republic were regular Roman citizens in the Provinces (auxiliaries); in Republic were regular Roman citizen legionairescitizen legionaires

Fleet used to transport officials, dignitaries, supplies for the armies; Fleet used to transport officials, dignitaries, supplies for the armies; transport of troopstransport of troops

Deployed against piratesDeployed against pirates Sometimes deployed as part of combined military forces, i.e. by Sometimes deployed as part of combined military forces, i.e. by

Germanicus against Germanic tribes on other side of RhineGermanicus against Germanic tribes on other side of Rhine For this campaign part of navy sailed through the North Sea and then up For this campaign part of navy sailed through the North Sea and then up

the river Ems; unsuccessful due to bad weather and stormsthe river Ems; unsuccessful due to bad weather and storms Also employed against Parthians – on Euphrates or TigrisAlso employed against Parthians – on Euphrates or Tigris Generally navy did not have prominent role in important victories; normally Generally navy did not have prominent role in important victories; normally

did not spearhead any military operations; not integral part of military did not spearhead any military operations; not integral part of military strategy; strategy;

Roman power depended on army not on navyRoman power depended on army not on navy

Letter from a Recruit Letter from a Recruit Select PapyriSelect Papyri I (1932) #112 (II. A.D.) I (1932) #112 (II. A.D.)

Apion to Epimachus, his father and lord, very many greetings.Apion to Epimachus, his father and lord, very many greetings. Before all else I pray for your health and that you may always be well and Before all else I pray for your health and that you may always be well and

prosperous, together with my sister and her daughter and my brother. I prosperous, together with my sister and her daughter and my brother. I thank the Lord Serapis that when I was in danger at sea he straightway thank the Lord Serapis that when I was in danger at sea he straightway saved me. On arriving at Misenum, I received from Caesar three gold saved me. On arriving at Misenum, I received from Caesar three gold pieces for travelling expenses. And it is well with me.pieces for travelling expenses. And it is well with me.

Now I ask you, my lord and father, write me a letter, telling me first of your Now I ask you, my lord and father, write me a letter, telling me first of your welfare, secondly of my brother's and sister's, and enabling me thirdly to welfare, secondly of my brother's and sister's, and enabling me thirdly to make obeisance before your handwriting, because you educated me well make obeisance before your handwriting, because you educated me well and I hope thereby to have quick advancement, if the gods so will.and I hope thereby to have quick advancement, if the gods so will.

Give many salutations to Capiton and my brother and sister and Serenilla Give many salutations to Capiton and my brother and sister and Serenilla and my firends. I have sent you by Euctemon a portrait [and my firends. I have sent you by Euctemon a portrait [eikonineikonin]of myself. ]of myself. My name is Antonius Maximus, my company [My name is Antonius Maximus, my company [kenturi(a)kenturi(a)] is the Athenonica. ] is the Athenonica. I pray for your health.I pray for your health.

[Postscript:] Serenus, son of Agathodaemon, salutes you, and . . . , and [Postscript:] Serenus, son of Agathodaemon, salutes you, and . . . , and Turbo son of Gallonius, and . . . . Turbo son of Gallonius, and . . . .

[Addressed:] To Philadelphia, to Epimachus from Apion his son.[Addressed:] To Philadelphia, to Epimachus from Apion his son.[Additional address:] Deliver at the camp of the first cohort of the Apameni [Additional address:] Deliver at the camp of the first cohort of the Apameni to Julianus, vice-secretary [to Julianus, vice-secretary [antiliblarioantiliblario] this letter from Apion to be ] this letter from Apion to be forwarded to his father Epimachus.forwarded to his father Epimachus.

Letter from a recruit: Letter from a recruit: ApollinariusApollinarius

Apollinarius to Taesis, his mother and lady, many greetings!Apollinarius to Taesis, his mother and lady, many greetings! Before all I pray for your health. I myself am well, and make Before all I pray for your health. I myself am well, and make

supplication for you before the gods of this place. I wish you to supplication for you before the gods of this place. I wish you to know, mother, know, mother, that I arrived in Rome in good health on that I arrived in Rome in good health on the 20th of the month Pachon, and was posted to the 20th of the month Pachon, and was posted to MisenumMisenum, though I have not yet learned the name of my , though I have not yet learned the name of my company (company (kenturiankenturian); for I had not gone to Misenum at the ); for I had not gone to Misenum at the time of writing this letter. I beg you then, mother, look after time of writing this letter. I beg you then, mother, look after yourself and do not worry about me; for I have come to a fine yourself and do not worry about me; for I have come to a fine place. Please write me a letter about your welfare and that of place. Please write me a letter about your welfare and that of my brothers and of all your folk. And whenever I find a my brothers and of all your folk. And whenever I find a messenger I will write to you; never will I be slow to write. messenger I will write to you; never will I be slow to write. Many salutations to my brothers and Apollinarius and his Many salutations to my brothers and Apollinarius and his children, and Karalas and his children. I salute Ptolemaeus and children, and Karalas and his children. I salute Ptolemaeus and Ptolemais and her children and Heraclous and her children. I Ptolemais and her children and Heraclous and her children. I salute all who love you, each by name. I pray for your health.salute all who love you, each by name. I pray for your health.

[Address:] Deliver at Karanis to Taesis, from her son [Address:] Deliver at Karanis to Taesis, from her son Apollinarius of Misenum (Apollinarius of Misenum (Select PapyriSelect Papyri I (1932) #111 (II. I (1932) #111 (II. A.D.) A.D.)