Hyginus: DE MVNITIONIBUS CASTRORVM

1. Nunc papilonum tensionem cohortium supra scriptarum ostendimus. Papilio unus occupat pedes X, accipit incrementum tensurae pedes II, tegit homines VIII. Plena centuria habet milites LXXX; erunt papiliones X, qui occurunt in longitudine pedum CXX.

1. Now we show the tension (spacing) of the pavilions of the cohorts written above. One pavilion occupies 10 feet, takes an added pitch (tension) of 2 feet, and shelters 8 men. A full century has 80 soldiers; there will be 10 pavilions which fall within a length of 120 feet.

Nam quod ad latitudinem hemistrigii pedum XXX attinet, papilioni dantur pedes X, armis pedes V, iumentis pedes IX, fiunt pedes XXIV. Hoc bis, XLVIII, cum praetendunt, efficitur striga pedum LX, reliqui pedes XII, qui conversantibus spatio sufficient. Haec pedatura ad plenas legionis [centurias] est compulata.

For as to the breadth of a hemistrigium of 30 feet, to a papilio are allotted 10 feet, to the arms 5 feet, to the beasts 9 feet, making 24 feet. This doubled, 48, when they are stretched forth, becomes a strip of 60 feet, the remaining 12 feet, which are sufficient for the space of turning. This foot-measurement has been compiled for the full legion’s [centuries].

Ex quibus in vigiliis singulis [quaterni] erunt, et non plus quam octonos papiliones singulae tendunt. Ita fit, ut centurio eorum in eadem pedatura eorum papilionum tensionem alioquin plus dari oportuisset.

Of these, in each watch there will be [four], and no more than eight pavilions each will stretch. Thus it happens that their centurion, within the same allotment in feet of their pavilions’ spacing, would otherwise have needed to be allotted more.

2. Legiones, quoniam sunt militiae provinciales fidelissimae, ad vallum tendere debent, ut opus valli tueantur et exercitum gentibus mixtum suo numero corporali in muro tene[ant]. Quando autem supplementa plura fuerint, ubi necesse est cohortis pedaturam extendere, servata latitudine hemistrigii, et id pede manente, iam mutabimus, ut quis fuit CXX per CLXXX, sic sit XC per CCXL in modum formae subiectae, vel LX per CCCLX, similiter ut forma ostenditur. XXX enim pedes per DCCXX cohors una occupat; nunc, quotiens latitudo duplicatur, longitudo partes minuet. Quod[si] legiones plures acceperimus et supplementa pauciora, ut necessarium sit cohortes circa vallum crebrius ponere, convertimus pedaturam: quod fuerit signis, tabulinum; [sig]num hemistrigii mutabimus ratione tensurae suae.

2. Legions, since they are the most faithful provincial militias, ought to be drawn to the vallum, so that they guard the work of the wall and hold the army, mixed with peoples, by their number corporeally in the rampart. When, however, there are more supplements, and it is necessary to extend the cohort pedatura, the latitude of the hemistrigium being preserved, and that foot remaining, we will now change, so that what was 120 per 180, so may be 90 per 240 in the manner of the form shown below, or 60 per 360, likewise as the form displays. For a cohort occupies 30 feet per 720; now, as often as the width is doubled, the length will lessen its parts. But if we have received more legions and fewer supplements, so that it is necessary to place cohorts more frequently about the vallum, we convert the pedatura: what has been for the standards, the tablinum; we will change the sign of the hemistrigium according to its tensioning.

Cuiusque generis subiecimus. Aliqua cohors CL, per CL solet adsignari, sed, in quantum fieri potest, devitari debet de eo, quod centuriae suo ordine tendere non poterunt et pedatura cohortis uno pariter nudabitur, sicut forma subiecta est.

We have set forth each kind. Some cohort of 150, assigned as 150, is accustomed to be allotted, but, insofar as possible, it ought to be avoided because the centuries will not be able to deploy in their proper order and the cohort’s pedatura will be laid bare at one point all together, as the form subjoined shows.

3. Cohors prima causa signorum et aquilae intra viam sagulariam, et quoniam duplum numerum habet, duplam pedaturam accipiet, ut puta signis pedes CXX, tabulino pedes CCCLX, vel signis CLXXX, tabulino pedes CCXL, formae ratio, ut reliquae. Igitur si legiones impares, hoc est tres, acceptae fuerint, duae primae lateribus praetorii per rigorem viae sagularis tendere debebunt, alia in praetentura similiter per rigorem viae sagularis intrantibus portam praetoriam parte laeva; dextra cohortes contrariae tendant, ut possit exercitus combinatus educi.

3. The first cohort, for the sake of the standards and the eagle, within the sagular road, and since it has double the number, will receive double pedatura, that is: for the standards 120 feet, for the tabulino 360 feet, or for the standards 180, for the tabulino 240, the ratio following the plan, as with the rest. Therefore if the legions are odd, that is three, the first two must extend along the praetorian sides by the straight line of the sagular road, the other in the praetentura likewise, entering the praetorian gate on the left side by that same straightness of the sagular road; the cohorts on the right should stretch opposite, so that the combined army can be led out.

4. Quotiens autem quinque vel sex legiones acceptae fuerint, binae cohortes primae lateribus praetorii tendere debebunt, duae in praetentura, super quibus valetudinaria, deinde vexillarii; et si res exiget, cohors peditata quingenaria loco vexillariorum solet superponi, et, si strictior fuerit pedatura, cohors legionaria dari debet, sed numero suo, ut CXX pedes valetudinarium et reliqua, quae supra tendent, accipiant, hoc est veterinarium et fabrica, quae ideo longius posita est, ut valetudinarium quietum esse convalescentibus posset.

4. Whenever five or six legions have been received, two cohorts of the first shall tend the praetorian flanks, two in the praetentura, above which are the valetudinaria (hospitals), then the vexillarii; and if the matter demands, a peditata quingenaria cohort is accustomed to be placed in the position of the vexillarii, and if the pedatura be more confined, a legionary cohort ought to be given, but by its own number, so that 120 feet be allotted to the valetudinarium and the remaining parts, which lie above, receive the rest — that is, the veterinarium and the fabrica, which therefore is set farther back, so that the valetudinarium may be quiet for the convalescents.

5. Vexillarii legionum eandem pedaturam accipere debent, quam cohors legionaria, quae ad sexcentenos homines computatur. Causa impedimentorum tendere debent in praetentura vel latere praetorii, ut dixeram, super cohortes primas. Ad vallum, si fieri potest, ideo tendere non debent, quod legatus eorum pariter non sit et,si casu hoste vallum interruptum fuerit, legio etlegatus eorum per vexillarios factum esse contendet.

5. The vexillaries of the legions ought to receive the same pedatura as the legionary cohort, which is reckoned at 600 men. For the sake of impedimenta they ought to pitch in the praetentura or on the praetorium flank, as I said, above the first cohorts. They should, if possible, not pitch toward the vallum, because their legate is not likewise present, and if by chance the vallum is broken through by the enemy, the legion and their legate will contend that it was done by the vexillaries.

6. Cohortes praetoriae lateribus praetorii tendere debent et duplam pedaturam recipere, quod tentoriis maioribus utantur. Primipilares etiam et evocati in eadem pedatura locum accipiunt.

6. The praetorian cohorts should extend along the sides of the praetorium and receive double the pedatura, because they make use of larger tents. The primipilares also, and the evocati, take their place in the same pedatura.

7. Equites praetoriani latere dextro praetorii, singulares imperatoris latere sinistro. Quorum si maior numerus fuerit, ut puta singulares DC, praetoriani CCC, poterunt CL singulares in striga praetorianorum tendere. Ita fit, ut et pari numero dispositi [sint]. Decuriones et reliqui principales eorum binos equos possidentes propensius tendant.

7. The praetorian cavalry are to be stationed on the right side of the praetorium, the emperor’s singulars on the left. If the greater number should be of the latter, for example the singulars 600, the praetorians 300, 150 singulars will be able to extend into the praetorians’ line. Thus it happens that they are also disposed in equal number [are]. The decurions and their remaining chief men, possessing two horses, are stationed nearer.

Et si minor numerus utrorumque fuerit, ut centenis equitibus hemistrigiis suis laxius tendant, non erit haesitandum, quoniam officialibus lateri sinistro proximis ibi pedatura adsignetur.

And if the number of each is smaller, so that for every hundred horsemen their hemistrigiae pitch more loosely, there should be no hesitation, since a pedatura will there be assigned to the officials nearest the left flank.

8. Quodsi cohortes praetoriae impares acceptae fuerint, quoniam numerus et dispositio dextra laevaque praetorii cohortium a paribus esse debent, loco cohortis equites praetoriani ponentur. Singulares autem equites si DCCC aut DCCCC fuerint, pari numero integris strigis lateribus tendere debebunt, si ad D fuerint, ut striga est, sufficiat.

8. But if the praetorian cohorts have been received unevenly, since the number and disposition of right and left of the praetorian cohorts ought to be equal, in the place of a cohort the praetorian horsemen shall be placed. The singulars, however, if they be 800 or 900, ought to extend in equal number along the intact strigae of the sides; if they amount to 500, one striga, as a striga is, will suffice.

9. Ilud maxime observare debebimus, ut latus praetorr non plus quam DCCXX pedes longitudinis accipiat. Ita fiet, ut cohortes praetoriae et reliquus numerus, qui lateribus praetorii tendit, integrit strigis sua pedatura optime tendant. Nam, quantum ad latitudunem praetorii totius attinet, a CLX ad CCXX potest observari in longitudinem, ut supra dixi, pedum DCCXX.

9. We must observe especially this, that the side of the praetorium receive no more than 720 feet of length. Thus it will be that the praetorian cohorts and the remaining number that stretches along the sides of the praetorium will best extend their whole ranks with their proper foot-spacing. For, as to the breadth of the whole praetorium, it can be observed from 160 to 220 (feet), and in length, as I said above, 720 feet.

Stationi dari oportet secundum praetoeium pedum XX et, si res exigit, pedes X sufficient.

A station must be allotted along the praetorium of 20 feet, and, if the circumstance requires, 10 feet suffice.

10. Item comitibus imperatoris nostri a pedibus L usque ad LXX potest observari, in qua pedatura praefecto praetorio primo loco a via principali adsignari debet. Interposita deinde via cohoortes praetoriae et reliquus numerus prout disponi debent, libello ostendimus.

10. Likewise the companions (comites) of our emperor may be arranged from 50 to 70 feet, in which breadth the praetorian prefect ought to be assigned the first place from the main road. Then, the road having been interposed, we show in a little booklet how the praetorian cohorts and the remaining number ought to be disposed.

11. Aris institutis in praetorii parte ima, auguratorium parte dextra praetorii ad viam principalem apponimus, ut dux in eo augurium recte capere possit; parte laeva tribunal statuitur, ut augurio accepto insuper ascendat et exercitum felici auspicio adloquatur.

11. With altars set up in the lower part of the praetorium, we place an auguratorium on the right side of the praetorium adjoining the main road, so that the dux may rightly take the augury there; on the left side a tribunal is established, so that, the augury having been received, moreover he may ascend and address the army with a felicitous auspice.

12. In introitu praetorii partis mediae ad viam principalem gromae locus apellatur, quod turba ibi congruat, sive in dictatione metarum. posito in eodem loco ferramento, groma superponatur, ut portae castrorum in conspectu rigoris stellam efficiant. Et professores eius artis causa supra scripta gromatici sunt cognominati.

12. At the entrance of the praetorium of the middle part toward the main road the place is called groma, because a troop there meets, or for the laying out of bounds. With an iron implement set in that same spot, a groma is to be placed above it, so that the gates of the camp, in sight of the right line, make a star. And the teachers of that art are therefore surnamed gromatici from the foregoing.

13. Viae vicenariae ideo dantur percurrentes proxime sagularem, ut ad eruptionem exercitus expediti progredi possint.

13. The vicenary roads are therefore laid out running close to the sagulum, so that the army, light and unencumbered for a sally, may be able to advance.

14. Nunc praetenturae rationem exponam. Via principalis, quae est inter portas dexteriorem et sinistriorem, quae a principiis nomen obti[net], esse debet latitudine eadem, qua opus pedum LX, quod est inter vallum et legiones et ideo quibusdam intervallum est cognominatum. Item via quae ducit ad portam praetoriam -- praetorio sine dubio via praetoria ducitur,-- latitudine ut supa pedum LX, propter quam rigore tensurae suae superiores strigae in praetentura non percurrunt, quoniam ad viam praetoriam signa spectare debebunt.

14. Now I will set forth the arrangement of the praetentura. The principal road, which is between the right and the left gates, which from the principia obtains its name, ought to be of the same breadth as the space of 60 feet, which is between the rampart and the legions, and therefore by some is called the interval. Likewise the road which leads to the praetorian gate — to the praetorium without doubt the praetorian road leads — is to be of the width above of 60 feet, because by reason of the tautness of its laying the upper strigae do not run across in the praetentura, since the standards must face toward the praetorian road.

15. Dabimus itaque infra viam principalem legatis pedaturam, quod scamnum est appellatumnec communis strigarum dictationem metationis habet propter legionum numerum incertum, quod semper latitudine a pedibus L ad LXXX observari debebit, prout numerus legionum effecerit. In quo tribuni cohortium praetoriarum tendere solent. Similiter tribunis legionum inferius adsignari debet, quod aeque scamnum dicitur; a quo via interposita alae miliariae vel [quin]genariae et deinceps, prout quis[que] tendere debebit.

15. We will therefore give beneath the main road to the legates a pedatura, which is called a scamnum, nor does it bear the common dictation of the strigae’s metatio because of the uncertain number of legions, which must always be observed with a width from 50 to 80 feet, according as the number of legions shall have made. In this the tribunes of the praetorian cohorts are wont to pitch. Likewise a lower one ought to be assigned to the tribunes of the legions, which is likewise called a scamnum; from which, with an intervening road, the alae miliariae or quinquagenariae and thereafter, as each must pitch.

In forma subiecimus.

We have set it forth in the form below.

16. Nunc, ut suo referam loco, ad alam miliariam. Turmas habet XXIV, in eis decuriones, duplicarii, sesquipilarii, iidem qui et numerus turmarum, stabunt. Equos singuli decuriones ternos, duplicarii et sesquipilarii binos.

16. Now, to refer it to its proper place, to the ala miliaria. It has 24 turmas; in them decurions, duplicarii, sesquipilarii — who are likewise equal to the number of the turmas — will be stationed. Each decurion three horses, the duplicarii and sesquipilarii two.

Sic super numerum equorum mille, deductis singulis, qui in numerum computantur, XCVI. Ala quingenaria turmas habet XVI, decuriones et reliqua prout numerum turmarum, amplius equos ut supra LXIIII. Et ideo in singulis equitibus terni pedes computantur, nihil deducitur.

Thus, above the number of horses 1000, after subtracting the single ones that are counted in the total, there remain 96. An ala of five-hundred has 16 turmas; decuriones and the rest as according to the number of turmas; additionally horses as above, 64. And therefore in each horseman three feet are reckoned, nothing is deducted.

In eo pede praefectus alae pedaturam accipiat, et principales eorum aliquo laxius tendant; alioquin singuli binos pedes et semisses acciperent.

On that foot let the prefect of the ala receive the foot-allotment, and let their principales hold somewhat more loosely; otherwise each would receive two and a half feet.

17. Quantum autem ad retenturam pertinet, via, quae est super praetorio, per cuius rigorem utraque parte, cum maior exercitus est, hoc est quinque legiones et supra, portae quintanae dari solent, accipere debet latitudinem pedum XL; si portae ibi datae fuerint, L pedes accipiet, et cognominatur etiam quintana causa copiarum.

17. As for the retentura, the road which is above the praetorium, by whose straightness on both sides, when the army is larger — that is five legions and above — the quintana gates are wont to be placed, must take on a width of 40 feet; if gates have been placed there, it will take 50 feet, and it is also called quintana for the sake of the troops.

18. Quaestorium dicitur, quod aliquando quaestores ibi pedaturam acceperint; quod est supra praetorium in rigore porta, quae cohortibus decimis ibi tendentibus decimana est apellata. Quaestorium minore esse debet latitudine quam praetorium, ut strigae statorum posticum praetorii proximi sint. In quo maxime legati hostium et obsides; et, si qua praeda facta fuerit, in quaestorio ponitur.

18. It is called the Quaestorium, because once the quaestors there received the pedatura; which is above the Praetorium on the ridge is the gate, which, with the cohorts drawn up in tens there, is called the Decimana. The Quaestorium ought to be less in breadth than the Praetorium, so that the rear ranks (strigae) of the stationed troops are adjacent to the Praetorium. In it chiefly are the envoys of the enemy and hostages; and, if any booty has been taken, it is placed in the Quaestorium.

19. Lateribus eiusdem tendere debent ad viam quintanam centuriae statorum, ut posticum praetorii tueantur et proximi sint praetorium; quibus duplam pedaturam adsignabimus, quod eisdem tentoriis utantuer quibus cohortes praetorii. Super quos cohors peditata quingenaria vel equitata, prout strigae magnitudo fuerit, poni debebit. Et per reliquas strigas cohortes peditatae vel equitatae ad viam quintanam spectare debebunt, et supra symmachares et reliquae nationes tendere debebunt; et rliquae nationes tendere debebunt; et ita fiet, ut omni parte nationes et supra scripta contineantur.

19. Along the sides of the same there must extend toward the fifth road the centuries of the stators, so that they guard the rear of the praetorium and be adjacent to the praetorium; to which we will assign double pedatura, because they use the same tents as the praetorian cohorts. Above these a five-hundred strong foot cohort or a mounted cohort, according as the magnitude of the striga is, ought to be placed. And through the remaining strigae foot or mounted cohorts must face toward the fifth road, and must extend above the symmachares and the remaining nations; and the remaining nations must extend; and thus it will be that on every side the nations are contained as written above.

20. Viae sagulariae XXX pedes sufficient; [si] quinque legiones fuerint, XL pedes latitudinis accipere debebit. Scholae cohortium principiis, ubi munera legionum dicuntur, in scamno legatorum contra aquilam dari debent.

20. The sagularian ways are sufficient at 30 feet; [if] there shall be five legions, they ought to receive a breadth of 40 feet. The schools of the cohort-principals, where the duties of the legions are announced, ought to be set on the bench of the legates opposite the eagle.

21. Castra, in quantum fieri potuerit, tertiata esse debebunt, ut flatus aurae aestus exercitus leniat. Hoc dixi tertia[ta], ut puta longum pedes CI)CI)CCCC, latum pedes CI)DC. Si longiora fuerint, classica dicintur nec bucinum in tumultu ad portam decimanamfacile poterit exaudiri; si latiora fuerint, proxime quadraturam sequens est dictatio.

21. The camp, as far as it can be effected, ought to be made tertiated, so that the breath of the air may soften the heat of the army. I said tertiated, that is to say, for example, long [pedes CI)CI)CCCC], broad [pedes CI)DC]. If they are longer, they are called classica and the trumpet will not easily be heard in the tumult at the tenth gate; if they are broader, the following reckoning most nearly attains a square.

22. Quantum attinet ad ea, quae sunt necessaria, satis puto diligenter rettulimus, et, si quae rationes adhuc fuerint necessariae, suo referam loco. Praeterea munitionem caastrorum et soli lectionem [in] statuenda metatione, item iniquitates locorum vitandasne praeterisse videar, breviter in parte ima exponam.

22. As for those matters which are necessary, I think we have reported them sufficiently and diligently, and if there are any considerations still necessary I will refer them to their proper place. Moreover I shall briefly set forth, in the lowest part, the fortification of the camps and the selection of the ground in establishing the measured plan, and, lest I seem to have omitted the avoidance of inequalities of sites, that also will be touched on.

23. Interim ostendam inceptationem metationis e numeros compositae formae recognoscamus. Admonebimus itaque, quis ubi tendere debeat. Lateribus praetorii cohortes praetoriae et equites praetoriani, equites singulares imperatoris, alae miliariae vel quingenariae, si pedatura permiserit; vexillarii et cohortes secundae vel peditatae quingenariae super cohortes primas.

23. Meanwhile I will show the beginning of the laying‑out of the metatio, let us recognise the form composed of numbers. We will therefore admonish who should pitch where. On the sides of the praetorium the praetorian cohorts and the praetorian cavalry, the emperor’s equites singulares, alae of a thousand or of five hundred, if the pedatura permits; vexillarii and second cohorts, or five‑hundred infantry, above the first cohorts.

24. Praetendunt alae miliariae vel quingenariae, Mauri equites, pannonii veredarii, classici omnes ideo praetendunt, quod ad vias muniendas primi exeunt, et quo sint tutiores, a Mauris equitibus et Pannoniis veredariis operantes protegentur; qui a cohortibus proximi tendere debent. Ut vexillarii legionum, item exploratores in striga cohortis primae.

24. The alae of a thousand or of five hundred men are posted forward, likewise the Mauri horsemen, the Pannonian veredarii, and all the classici — they are posted forward for this reason, because they go out first to secure the roads, and wherever they may be safer, they will be protected by the Mauri horsemen and the Pannonian veredarii who work there; these ought to be stationed nearest the cohorts. So too the vexillarii of the legions, and likewise the scouts in the skirmish-line of the first cohort.

25. Retendunt cohortes equitatae miliariae vel quingenariae, quarum rationes subieci. Omnes miles provincialis accipit pedaturam pedem adiecta quinta per totam longitudinem hemistrigii, eques autem duo semis adiecta quinta. Nunc quotiens numeros acceperimus, ut retenturam computemus, cohortes equitatas ad numerum peditum redigimus, ut equitibus cum cohortibus suis pedaturam facilius adsignemus.

25. They reckon back the cohortes equitatae, miliary or quingenary, the calculations of which I have set down. Every provincial miles on foot receives a pedatura of one pedem with a fifth added for the whole length of the hemistrigium, whereas a eques receives two semes with a fifth added. Now, whenever we have taken the numbers, so as to compute the retentura, we reduce the mounted cohorts to the number of foot-soldiers, in order that we may more easily assign the pedatura to the horsemen together with their cohorts.

26. Habet itaque cohors equitata miliaria equites CCXL, quod redigo ad peditem, ut pedem, quod aaccipit miles, redigo ad duo semis, quod accipit eques. Fit, dimidia sumpta, ductum quinquies. Sic tractabimus numerum equitum.

26. Therefore a one‑thousand mixed cohort has 240 cavalry, which I reduce to foot‑equivalents: so that to the foot, which a miles receives, I reduce two halves, which a horseman receives. It is done, the half taken, the product multiplied by five. Thus we shall reckon the number of horsemen.

Fit CXX, quinquies, fit DC. Accedunt ex ea cohorte miliaria, detractis equitibus, reliqui pedites DCCLX; fit cum superiore CI)CCCLX. Meminerimus itaque, ad computationem cohortis equitatae miliariae pedaturam ad CI)CCCLX dari debere.

It comes to 120; five times, it becomes 600. From that thousand-strong cohort, with the cavalry subtracted, the remaining foot-soldiers are 760; together with the foregoing they make 1,360. Let us therefore remember that, for the computation of a thousand-strong mounted cohort, the foot-complement ought to be given as 1,360.

27. Cohors equitata quingenaria in dimidio eandem rationem continet quam cohors [miliaria]. Habet itaque cohors equitata miliaria centurias X peditum, equites CCXL, turmas X, omnes tendunt papilionibus CXXXVI, ex eis centuriones et decurionessingulis papilionibus utuntur. Cohors equitata quingenaria habet centurias VI, reliqua pro parte dimidia.

27. A cohors equitata quingenaria in dimidio contains the same reckoning as a cohors [miliaria]. Thus a cohors equitata miliaria has 10 centuries of infantry, 240 cavalry, 10 turmae; all amount to 136 papilions, of which the centurions and decurions each use one papilion. A cohors equitata quingenaria has 6 centuries, the remainder on a half share.

28. Cohors peditata miliaria habet centurias X, tendit papilionibus C, ex eis centuriones singulis. Item peditata quingenaria habet centurias VI, reliqua ut supra.

28. A milliary foot cohort has 10 centuriae, it extends to 100 pavilions, of which the centurions have one each. Likewise a quingenary foot cohort has 6 centuriae, the remainder as above.

29. Nationes -- Cantabri, Gaesati, Palmyreni, Daci, Brittones, centurias statorum et si quid aliud datum fuerit in exercitu symmachariorum, [in] retentura ponibus. Camelis cum suis epibatis singulis pedes V adsignabimus. Tendere debebunt, si in hostem exituri erunt, in praetentura iusta classicos, si ad praedam portandam praesto erunt, intra quaestorium tendere debebunt.

29. Nations — Cantabri, Gaesati, Palmyreni, Daci, Britons — shall place centuries of the stators and whatever else has been given in the army of the symmacharii [in] to be kept on the ponies. To camels with their epibatai we will assign five footmen each. They ought to pitch, if they are to go out against the enemy, on the praetentura the proper classici; if they are to be ready to carry off plunder, they ought to pitch within the quaestory.

30. Datos itaque numeros, qui infra scripti sunt, sic computabimus: legiones III, vexillarii CI)DC, cohortes praetoriae IIII, equites praetoriani CCCC, equites singulares imperatoris CCCCL, alae miliariae IIII, quingenariae V, Mauri eqites DC, Pannonii veredarii DCCC, classici Misenates D, Ravennates DCCC, exploratores CC, cohortes equitatae miliariae II, quingenariae IIII, cohortes peditates miliariae III, quingenariae III, Palmyreni D, Gaesati DCCCC, Daci DCC, Brittones D, Cantabri DCC, centuriae statorum II.

30. The numbers thus given, which are written below, we will compute as follows: legions 3, vexillarii 1600, praetorian cohorts 4, praetorian horse 400, the emperor’s equites singulares 450, alae miliariae (thousand-strong wings) 4, quingenariae (five-hundred wings) 5, Mauri horse 600, Pannonian veredarii 800, Misenate classici 500, Ravenna classici 800, scouts 200, cohortes equitatae miliariae 2, quingenariae 4, infantry cohorts miliariae 3, quingenariae 3, Palmyreni 500, Gaesati 900, Daci 700, Brittones 500, Cantabri 700, statorum centuriae 2.

31. Semper numeris acceptis retenturam computare debemus, ut sciamus, quot hemistrigia in dimidia retentura nascantur. Nunc fit numerus, qui retendit XIII milia DCXL. Sumo partem dimidiam, ideo quod a paribus tendant, fit VI milia DCCCXX.

31. We must always, once the numbers have been taken, compute the remainder to be retained, so that we know how many hemistrigia will arise to be retained in the half. Now the number which retains is 13,640. I take the half part, because they proceed from equals, and it becomes 6,820.

Nunc latus praetorii componanus et praetenturam similiter computemus, sicut retenturam fecimus, ut sciamus cohortibus legionariis quid tabulino vel signo dare debeamus.

Now let us lay out the praetorian flank and compute the praetentura likewise, as we did the retentura, so that we may know what we ought to allot to the legionary cohorts for the tabulino or for the signum.

32. Observare itaque debebimus, ut, quotiens tres legiones _um supplementis acceptae fuerint, dimidia pars castrorum DCCXX pedes latitudinis habeat, et lateribus castrorum cohortibus tabulino XC, signis CCXL pedes adsignemus, ut, deducto tabulino cohortium et latitudine viae sagularis, reliqui DC pedes supersint, ut alae miliariae in praetentura ad pedem tendant. Ut nunc statuimus reliquos pedes DC, explemus latus unum praetorii, ut sciamus, quot alae in praetentura tensurae sint.

32. We must therefore observe that, whenever three legions have been received with their supplements, half the camp should have a breadth of 720 feet, and to the sides of the camp assign to the cohort in the praetorium a tabulino of 90 and to the standards 240 feet, so that, with the tabulino of the cohorts and the width of the via sagularis deducted, 600 feet remain, so that the milliary wings in the praetentura reach to the foot. As we now fix the remaining 600 feet, we fill one side of the praetorium, so that we may know how many wings will be stretched in the praetentura.

33. Occupantur numero militum latere praetorii pedes [C]CCCXX, stationi pedes LX, in vias pedes [X]L, quod fere in hac latitudine ita fuerit dispositio: fiunt DC pedes.

33. The number of soldiers occupies along the praetorium side [420] feet, for the station 60 feet, in the streets [40] feet, which, roughly in this breadth, has been the arrangement: there result 600 feet.

34. Nunc praetenturam ut componamus, numerum equitum alarium, qui sunt reliqui, computemus. Fiunt IIII milia, partis dimidiae II milia. Accipere debet ala miliaria signis pedes CL, tabulino pedes DC. Hac ratione pedes CL efficiunt hemistrigia [V]. Accipit eques III pedes in longitudine pedum DC; sumo partem tertiam, ut habeam equitum numerum, qui in ea longitudine tendent.

34. Now to compose the praetentura, let us reckon the number of the alar horsemen that remain. They amount to 4,000, half of which is 2,000. An ala miliaria ought to take for its standards 150 feet, for its tabulino 600 feet. In this way 150 feet make a hemistrigia [5]. A horseman occupies 3 feet in the length of 600 feet; I take one third part, so that I may have the number of horsemen who will stretch in that length.

Fit CC, erit hemistrigii unius; et nunc hemistrigia ducimus V, quinquies CC fit CI): alae miliariae pedatura.

It makes 200; that will be of one hemistrigia; and now we take 5 hemistrigiae, five times 200 makes 1,000: the pedature of a thousand-strong ala.

35. Reliquum autem numerum sicut retenturam computemus, ut sciamus similiter, quot hemistrigia nascantur. Fit numerus cum pedatura valetudinarr, veterinarii et fabricae, qquae in unum ad DC homines computantur, VIIII milia. Sumimus dimidiam, fit IIII milia D. Hemistrigium partis dimidiae est DC pedum per longitudinem, quod [D] homines capit, sitque, [ut] diximus, peditem adiectam quintam ad pedem accipere.

35. But let us compute the remaining number as a retention, so that we may likewise know how many hemistrigia will arise. The number becomes, with the pedature of the hospital, of the veterinarians and of the workshop, which together are counted as 600 men, 9,000. We take half, it becomes 4,500. A hemistrigium of the half part is 600 feet in length, which takes [D] men, and moreover, as we said, is to receive a foot-soldier with a fifth added to the foot.

Nihil itaque intersit, ad numerum computatum quintam partem adiciamus, an vero ex longitudine, ut nunc. DC pedum deducamus partem sextam. Reliqui quingenti, tot homines capiet hemistrigium.

Therefore it makes no difference whether we add a fifth part to the computed number, or rather, as now, subtract a sixth part from the length. Let us subtract a sixth part from 600 feet. 500 remaining; a hemistrigium will hold that many men.

36. Sed habemus numerum IIII milia, videmus, quotiens habeo; quod est octies. Totidem hemistrigia nascantur. Fit CCXL, et superiores computati alarium pedes CCC: fit in unum DXL.

36. But we have the number 4,000, as we see how often I have; which is eight times. As many hemistrigia will be born. It becomes 240, and the alar feet computed above 300: together they make 540 in one.

Poterit esse tensura tensura cohortium III, faciunt pedes DCCXX, ex quibus decedit, quod numerus occupat, pedes DXL: reliqui pedes CLXXX, quo VI hemistrigia nascantur. Ut nunc vicenaria via super cohortem primam, item numero quattuor, pedum denum: fit in vias pedes LX. Reliqui pedes CXX, quos scamnis tribunorum et legatorum, singulis LX pedes, adsignabimus.

There can be a tensura — the tensura of three cohorts — which makes 720 feet, of which falls away, what the number occupies, 540 feet: the remaining feet 180, from which 6 hemistrigia will arise. As now a vicenary way above the first cohort, likewise in number four, of ten feet: this makes 60 feet into the ways. The remaining feet 120, which we will assign to the benches of the tribunes and of the legates, each 60 feet.

37. Nunc si dantur mille homines super numerum compositum, in eadem pedatura locus adsignetur; sic faciemus. Quoniam partis dimidiae D esse constat, quos capiet hemistrigium, deducamus scamnis pedes X et viam inter alas tollamus, quae tunc datur, si pedatura permittet. Fiunt pedes XXX: erit hemistrigium, quod D homines postea acceptos recipiet.

37. Now if 1,000 men are given above the composite number, in the same pedatura a place shall be assigned; thus we will do. Since the half part is agreed to be 500, which a hemistrigium will take, let us deduct from the scamnis 10 feet and remove the way between the alae, which then is granted, if the pedatura permits. There become 30 feet: there will be a hemistrigium, which will receive the 500 men afterwards accepted.

38. Nunc e contrario similiter numeris compositis deducamus homines CI), quorum est pedatura striga pedum LX. Dabimus scamno legatorum pedes LXXX, tribunorum pedes LXX et viam inter alas reponemus.

38. Now, conversely, likewise with composite numbers let us allocate 101) men, whose pedatura, the striga, is 60 feet. We will give to the bench of the legates 80 feet, to the tribunes 70 feet, and we will restore the way between the wings.

39. Item lateri praetorii et retenturae similiter, si quo plus vel minus fuerit, idem observabimus, ut praetorium et comitum pedaturam, item quaestorium minuamus vel ampliemus servatis portionibus latitudinis. Viae autem abesse poterunt, si pedatura strictior fuerit, inter cohortes praetorias et alas equitum, ideo quod disciplina militari ad suum quisque numerum coniuncti convenient.

39. Likewise for the flank of the praetorium and of the retentura, if there be any more or less, we shall observe the same, so that we diminish or enlarge the pedatura of the praetorium and of the comites, likewise the quaestorium we shall reduce or expand, preserving the allotted portions of width. The viae, however, may be absent if the pedatura is made more compact between the praetorian cohorts and the wings of horse, because by military discipline each, joined to his own number, will come together.

40. Si observent ita, [ut] dico, et in retentura, qui solent et quodque genus hominum per strigas strictius seu laxius tende[re], quoniam saepe numeros evenit commutari, tensura amplius efficiant, quam strigae in eandem pedaturam incurrent. Nec plus ex eis deduci debet, quam peditatae quingenariae super cohortes primas, et, si amplius supersunt, ut nec strigam expleant, necesse erit per reliquas strigas, ut dixi, artius tendant. Similiter, ut laxius tendant, efficitur, quotiens reliquus numerus convenit, ne totius metatiionis ordo turbetur; et retenturae per strigas aequali numero laxius tendunt, retenturae numero computato, ut in pedatura conveniret.

40. If they observe, as I say, likewise in the retentura those who are wont to stretch each sort of men more tightly or more loosely by strigae — since numbers often happen to be changed — let them make the tensura greater than the strigae would fall into in the same pedatura. Nor ought more be drawn from them than the peditata of five-hundred over the first cohorts; and if more remain, so that they do not fill a striga, it will be necessary, through the remaining strigae, as I have said, that they stretch more closely. Likewise, to make them laxer is effected whenever the remaining number fits, so that the order of the whole mensuration be not disturbed; and the retenturae, by equal numbers of strigae, are stretched more loosely — the retenturae with their number computed, so that it may agree in the pedatura.

41. Quodsi adhuc amplius seu minus quam ostendimus supplementa data fuissent, omnia immutabuntur et cohortes circa vallum aliter tendent.

41. But if indeed more or fewer supplements than we have shown had been given, all would be altered and the cohorts about the rampart would be deployed otherwise.

42. Nunc retenturae diximus partis dimidiae numerum Vi milia DCCCXX. Quoniam est latitudo DC [pedum], video, quuot hemistrigia esse possint; ut nunc, erunt decem et septem, et quaestorio pedatura sufficiens dari possit. Sumo itaque numeri parterm XVI[I], quot hemistrigia esse diximus, fit CCCC: erit numerus militum.

42. Now we said that the half of the retaining part numbers 6,820. Since the breadth is 600 [feet], I see how many hemistrigia can be; so now there will be seventeen, and a quaestorial pedature sufficient can be allotted. I therefore take the number per term XVI[I], as many hemistrigia as we said; it becomes 400: that will be the number of soldiers.

Tendere debebunt per hemistrigium unum, adiecta quinta pedum LXXX: fiunt pedes CCCC[XL]XX, unde efficitur, [ut]duae cohortes latere retenturae tendant.

They will have to stretch across one hemistrigium, with an added fifth of 80 feet: there are made 460 feet (CCCC[XL]XX), whence it follows, [that] two cohorts will stretch to hold the flank.

43. Symmachario set reliquas qoutiens per strigas distribuimus, non plus quam tripertiti esse debebunt nec longe abalterutrum, ut unam tesseram sub vocabulo citationis audiant. Observabimus primae strigae signis idem adsignari, quod cohorti primae, ut viae vicenariae percurant.

43. To Symmacharius and the rest: whenever we distribute by strips, they ought to be no more than tripartite and not far from one another, so that they may hear a single tessera under the word “citation.” We will see that the first strip be assigned the same signs as to the first cohort, as the vicenary roads run through.

44. Erunt itaque lateribus cohortes XVI, praetendunt et redendent quattuor milia, et singulae LX per CCCLX; reliqui quattuor milia intra viam sagularem.

44. There will therefore be 16 cohorts at the flanks; they will extend and return 4,000, and each 60, to make 360; the remaining 4,000 within the sagular road.

45. In quantum potui, domine frater, pro tirocinio meo in brevi omnes auctores sum persecutus, sed quidquid circa compositionem castrorum aestivalium instituerunt, in hoc libello, priusquam numeros instituerem, sub ratione omnia declaravi. Principia in omni inceptatiione metationis scribenda nullus auctor ad hunc diem ostendit, propter quod spero sollicitudinem nostram digne tibi placituram.

45. As far as I could, lord brother, for my training I have briefly followed all the authors; but whatever they established concerning the arrangement of the summer camps I have in this little book, before I set down the numbers, explained entirely under a rationale. No author to this day has shown the principles to be written at every beginning of a change of camp, wherefore I hope our solicitude will be pleasing to you worthily.

46. Exposuimus itaque singulas species et universum exercitum suis locis constituimus, ostendimus etiam, si necessum fuerit, quis numerum commutari debeat. Quodsi alae in retentura positae fuerint et pedites [in] praetentura sive cohortes equitatae, nulla necessitate cogente, sine dubio metatoris imperitiae signum est. Illud plane poterit observari, ut, si cohortes equitatae in eo exercitu omnino [non] fuerint, ponamus alas quingenarias lateribus quaestorii, ut retentura equitatum habeat.

46. We have therefore laid out the several formations and placed the whole army in their proper stations, and have shown also, if need be, which number ought to be changed. But if the wings are placed in reserve and the infantry [in] the forward line or the cohorts of cavalry in the front, without any compelling necessity, without doubt it is a sign of the metator’s inexperience. That too can plainly be observed: if the mounted cohorts are altogether [non] in that army, let us place five‑hundred‑strong wings on the sides of the quaestorium, so that the reserve may have cavalry.

47. Nam quod ad legiones [disposi]tas et divisi[onem in] duos numeros pertinet, quod et peritis compositionum difficultates ostendet, methodum metationis a me exquisitam, ad numerum cohortium pertinentem, intento ingenio elaboravi, ut, si dignatus fueris iniungere, novitatem metationis ad magnitudinem tuam primus adferam, quae tibi spero placebit, si primum cottidianam metationem tractabis.

47. For as to the legions disposed and the division into two bodies, which will also show to the experts the difficulties of compositions, I have worked out an exquisite method of mustering devised by me, pertaining to the number of cohorts, with attentive ingenuity; so that, if you shall have deigned to command, I may first bring the novelty of mustering to your magnitude, which I hope will please you, if first you attend to the daily mustering.

48. Nunc munitionem castrorum et reliqua, quae pluribus auctores scripserunt, breviter, perferamus. Munitio aestivalium observatur generibus quinque: fossa, vallo, [vimine], agmine, aggere.

48. Now let us briefly pass over the fortification of camps and the rest which many authors have written: the fortification of summer-camps is observed in five kinds: ditch, rampart, [wicker-work], line, embankment.

49. Fossa loco securiori causa disciplinae, cuius species est fasigata vel punica. Fastigata dicitur, quae a summa latitudine lateribus devexis in angustiam ad solum coniuncta pervenit. Punica dicitur, quae latere exteriori ad perpendiculum dirigitur; contrarium devexum fit, quomodo in fastigata.

49. A ditch, for a safer place and for the sake of discipline, the types of which are fasigata or punica. It is called fastigata that which, from its greatest breadth with the sides sloping, comes to a narrowness joined to the ground. It is called punica that which on the exterior side is set up to the perpendicular; the opposite is made sloping, as in the fastigata.

Quibus latitudo dari debeat ad minimum pedum quinque; altum pedes tres. Regressis pedibus exterius sexaginta per latitudinem portarum similiter fossa fiet, quod propter brevitatem titulum cognominatum est.

To which a breadth must be given of at least five feet; the depth three feet. With sixty feet left back outward along the width of the gates, likewise a ditch will be made, which, because of its shortness, is surnamed titulum.

50. Vallum loco suspectiori extrui debet cespite aut lapide, saxo sive caemento. Sufficit latum pedes VIII, altum pedes VI; et lorica parva fit similiter ante portas, ut titulum ad fossam, ad vallum. Causa instructionis sanctum est cognominatum.

50. A rampart in a more exposed place ought to be raised of turf or stone, rock or mortar. It suffices that it be 8 feet wide, 6 feet high; and a small lorica is likewise made before the gates, as the title to the ditch, to the rampart. The cause of the construction is surnamed sanctum.

51. Cervoli trunci ramosi. Ad hos decurritur, si soli natura nimia teneritate cespes frangitur neque lapide mobili nisi copiosum vallum extrui potest nec fossa fieri, ut non ripae decidant.

51. Cervoli, branched trunks. One has recourse to these when the turf is broken by the soil’s excessive tenderness, and with loose stone a substantial rampart cannot be raised nor a ditch made, lest the banks collapse.

52. Quotiens cervoli desunt et est locus suspectior, armorum ordinibus IIII castra muniunt, ut per singulos ordines vigiliae crebrius ponantur; et equites alterna vice castra circuire debent. Si in pacato, solummodo tuendae disciplinae causa unus ordo armorum sufficit, et vigiliae rarius constituuntur.

52. Whenever stags are lacking and the place is more exposed, the camp is fortified in four ranks of arms, so that watches may be placed more frequently through each rank; and the cavalry must patrol the camp by turns. If in peacetime, only one rank of arms suffices solely for the sake of preserving discipline, and the watches are posted more rarely.

53. Aggeribus autem ita fit vallum, si locus petrosus aut arenosus fuerit, quod sine dubio aggere facto munitionem castris praebet.

53. But with embankments a rampart is made in this way, if the place be rocky or sandy, which, without doubt, when the embankment is constructed, affords a fortification for the camp.

54. Angulos castrorum circinari oportet, quia coxas efficiunt instabiliuntque opus propugnationem tutans. Circinari debebunt ex angulis cohortium, qui efficiunt latitudinem operis pedum LX, usque quo lineas exteriores comprehenderis, quae efficiunt partem quartam.

54. The corners of the camp ought to be rounded, because they form the flanks and, by making the work less liable to be unsettled, preserve the bulwark. They should be rounded from the corners of the cohorts, which make the breadth of the work 60 feet, as far as you include the outer lines, which constitute one fourth.

55. Similiter clavicula circinatur ex linea interiore valli, puncto medio porte, adaperto circino ad cardinem portae. [Ex] eo medio praeter viam circinabis in eandem lineam, quae centro serviet. Item, puncto manente, adicies latitudinem valli et iterum circinabisin eandem lineam, ut intrantes semper detecti sint et advenientes in recto cursu excludant[ur]; nomenque ab effectu clavicula trahet.

55. Similarly the clavicula is circumscribed from the inner line of the rampart, at the midpoint of the gate, opening the compass to the hinge of the gate. [From] that midpoint, beyond the way, you will circumscribe to the same line, which will serve as the centre. Likewise, the point remaining, you will add the width of the rampart and again circumscribe to that same line, so that those entering are always detected and those arriving are excluded on a straight course; and the name clavicula is drawn from the effect.

56. Nam quod attinet ad sollicitudinem instituendae metationis, primum locum habentquae ex campo in eminentiam leniter attolluntur, in qua positione porta decimana eminentissimo loco constituitur, ut regiones castris subiaceant. porta praetoria semper hostem spectare debet. Secundum locum habent, quae in plano constituuntur, tertiuim, quae in colle, quartum, quae in monte, quintum, quae in loco necessario, unde et necessaria castra dicuntur.

56. As for the solicitude of instituting the metation (camp-marking), first place is held by those which from the plain are gently raised into an eminence, in which position the porta decimana, the tenth gate, is placed in the most eminent spot, so that the regions lie beneath the camp. The porta praetoria must always face the enemy. Second place have those which are set on the level plain; third, those on a hill; fourth, those on a mountain; fifth, those in a place of necessity, whence they are also called necessaria castra.

57. Praecipue observari debebit via quae lateribus castrorum supersit. Cetera quocumque latere flumen sive fontem habere debebis in qualicumque positione castrorum. Iniqua loca, quae a prioribus novercae appellantur, omni modo vitari debent.

57. Above all the road which lies along the flanks of the camp must be observed. As for other things, wherever on which side there is a river or a spring, you should have it in any position of the camp. Uneven places, which by the ancients are called novercae (stepmothers), must be avoided in every way.

Ne mons castris immineat, per quem supervenire hostes aut prospicere possint, quid in castris agatur; ne silve celatura hostes adiaceat neve fossa [aut] valles, per quas obrepi castris occulte possit; ne vicini fluminis torrentes subita tempesta[te] castra inundent.

Let not a mountain overhang the camps by which enemies might come upon them or be able to behold what is done in the camp; let no wood, a hiding-place for enemies, lie adjacent, nor ditches [or] valleys through which an enemy might creep up secretly upon the camps; let not the torrents of a neighboring river inundate the camps by a sudden storm.

58. Interea meminisse oportet in hostico ascensus valli duplices et frequentes facere et tormentis tribunalia extruire circum portas, in coxis, in loco turrium. Maxime instruendum erit vallum tormentis ab eo latere, quo novercae, si vitari non potuentur.

58. Meanwhile it must be remembered to make double and frequent approaches to the rampart on the enemy side and to erect tribunals for siege-engines around the gates, on the flanks, at the site of the towers. The rampart must be especially equipped with engines on that side where the novercae are, if they cannot be avoided.