Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

toddklindt t1_j7e6dx0 wrote

Reply to comment by Gadgetman_1 in Was it a good Idea for vercingetorix to take refuge with his army in Alesia in 52bc? by thereasonyousuffer

Dan Carlin did a podcast on this battle. He mentioned (I'm paraphrasing) that Roman soldiers were 50% soldier and 50% construction worker. Like you said, they KNEW how to besiege. Once the legion showed up they got to building.

Edit: Dan's podcast, The Celtic Holocaust

30

Gadgetman_1 t1_j7esq8e wrote

Consider them the first professional Combat Engineers.

7

ThoDanII t1_j7fuf62 wrote

Oh I think the Sumerians, Babylonian and Persian as well as Alexander would say they had been first

8

454C495445 t1_j80dyoa wrote

"You cannot besiege Tyre! We are fortified on an island!"

Alexander: "WE WILL BUILD A BRIDGE TO YOUR ISLAND"

O.O

2

warhead71 t1_j7fjp0i wrote

Construction, battle in orderly manners and military infrastructure (supply and retreat) is what Roman’s at this point did best. They were usual not good when things became chaotic - but legions were at this point given a lot of autonomy - and Caesar’s troop had a lot of experience. Caesar wanted a lot of slaves/gold - I would think he best chance to win would be to slaughter as many as his south-Gaelic Allie’s and plunder the Roman’s supplies - while some troop keep Caesar occupied

1