so much for the sake of the enemy as to keep an eye on
friends. Th e enemy is suffi ciently watched by mounted
troopers perched on various points commanding the
widest prospects. To guard against hostile approach
by night, sentinel duty according to the ordinance was
performed by the sciritai outside the main body. At the
present time the rule is so far modifi ed that the duty is
entrusted to foreigners, if there be a foreign contingent
present, with a leaven of Spartans to keep them
company. Th e custom of always taking their spears
with them when they go their rounds must certainly
be attributed to the same cause which makes them
exclude their slaves from a place of arms.... Th e need of
precaution is the whole explanation. Th e frequency with
which they change their encampment is another point.
It is done quite as much for the sake of benefi ting their
friends as annoying their enemies.
Further, the law enjoins upon all Spartans, during the
whole period of the campaign, the constant practice of
gymnastic exercises, whereby their pride in themselves
is increased, and they appear freer and of a more liberal
aspect than the rest of the world. Th e walk and the
running grounds must not exceed in length the space
covered by a morai, so that one may not fi nd himself
far from his own stand of arms. After the gymnastic
exercises, the senior polemarchos gives the order
by herald to be seated. Th is serves all the purposes
of inspection. After this the order is given “To get
breakfast,” and for “Th e outpost to be relieved.” After
this, again, come pastimes and relaxations before the
evening exercises, after which the herald’s cry is heard
“To take the evening meal.” When they have sung a
hymn to the gods to whom the off erings of happy omen
have been performed, the fi nal order, “Retire to rest at
the place of arms,” is given.From: Fred Fling, ed., A Source Book of Greek
History (Boston: D. C. Heath, 1907).BOOK 3, CHAPTER 5
DESCRIPTION OF THE ROMAN ARMIES AND
ROMAN CAMPS
... 2. As for what is within the camp, it is set apart
for tents, but the outward circumference hath the
resemblance to a wall and is adorned with towers at
equal distances, where between the towers stand the
engines for throwing arrows and darts, and for slinging
stones, and where they lay all other engines that can
annoy the enemy, all ready for their several operations.
Th ey also erect four gates, one at every side of the
circumference, and those large enough for the entrance
of the beasts, and wide enough for making excursions,
if occasion should require. Th ey divide the camp within
into streets, very conveniently, and place the tents of
the commanders in the middle; but in the very midst of
all is the general’s own tent, in the nature of a temple,
insomuch, that it appears to be a city built on the
sudden, with its marketplace, and place for handicraft
trades, and with seats for the offi cers superior and
inferior, where, if any diff erences arise, their causes are
heard and determined. Th e camp, and all that is in it, is
encompassed with a wall round about, and that sooner
than one would imagine, and this by the multitude and
the skill of the laborers; and, if occasion require, a trench
is drawn round the whole, whose depth is four cubits,
and its breadth equal.- When they have thus secured themselves, they live
together by companies, with quietness and decency, as
are all their other aff airs managed with good order and
security. Each company hath also their wood, and their
corn, and their water brought them, when they stand
in need of them; for they neither sup nor dine as they
please themselves singly, but all together. Th eir times
also for sleeping, and watching, and rising are notifi ed
beforehand by the sound of trumpets, nor is any thing
done without such a signal; and in the morning the
soldiery go every one to their centurions, and these
centurions to their tribunes, to salute them; with whom
all the superior offi cers go to the general of the whole
army, who then gives them of course the watchword and
other orders, to be by them cared to all that are under
Josephus, “Th e Roman Army in the First Century c.e.”
(ca. 75 c.e.) Rome(cont inued)Military: primary source documents 739