New military history research: Babylonian soldiers, Caesar's triumph, Roman legion veterans and Perisan-Roman war

The Classical Quarterly presents four studies related to ancient military matters and history.

Jennifer S. Starky discusses the use of Babylonian soldiers in Aristophanes’ play Babylonians. Starkey explains that the play and the history it discusses is misunderstood and further examination is needed.

 

1896 - Imaginary portrait of Aristophanes

Ida Ostenberg discusses Caeser’s use of Veni Vidi Vici after his triumph at Pontus in 46 B.C.  Ostenberg explains that the words were written on a placard and shown during his triumphal march.  Also, the argument is made that the words represent not Caesar’s deeds during the war but rather how swiftly he prevailed.

Rosalinde Kearsley addresses the formation of the second triumvirate in 43 B.C. and the large numbers of Roman veterans given land in Italy.  Kearsley argues that the resettlement had a great and difficult impact on Rome and the people of the Italian countryside.

Marion Kruse discusses Procopius’ Wars and specifically the Armenian speech to Persian king Khusrow.  Kruse asks whether the speech was written in a way that indicates Procopius’ criticism of  Justinian.