The Fall of Rome Podcast 10: The Late Roman Army, Barbarians, and the Frontier
Jan 13, 2017
Explore the diverse interactions between the Roman army and barbarians on the frontiers, including fighting, joining, trading, and living together. Learn about the massive scale and economic impact of the late Roman army, its defense strategies, and the recruitment of barbarians into the military. Follow the life of Flavius Arbogastes, a Roman soldier, and the major defeats that weakened the army. Discover the consequences of the Frigidus battle and its role in the downfall of the Western Roman Empire.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Army Shapes Frontier Culture
- The late Roman army shaped frontier culture as a melting pot blending Roman and barbarian identities.
- Frontiers were zones of interaction, not strict dividing lines, uniting diverse groups socially and militarily.
Army Loyalty Crisis Spurs Raids
- The 3rd century crisis exposed the army's weakened loyalty to emperors and led to frontier troops being frequently withdrawn.
- This political instability enabled barbarian incursions as troops dealt with internal usurpers.
Late Roman Army Evolves Tactics
- The late Roman army evolved into smaller, flexible units with diverse equipment and strong cavalry to counter guerrilla-style raids.
- Heavy fortifications and integrated tactics enabled containment and attrition rather than open battle.