Hi Bernard and Merry Xmas!

I spotted an interesting message concerning the Baelearic Slinger playing a useful role within the Roman army. I’m also fascinated by how the Roman Empire utlized skills of various peoples as it expanded across Europe, Near East, and the Mediterranean. The Sarmatians (featured in a ‘King Arthur’ film starring Clive Owen) were intriguing. Also, since the Romans didn’t really appreciate the power of archery until being defeated by the Parthians, auxilaries from Syria proved the only exception within their ranks. Although, perhaps Balista and Scorpion artillery are a larger form of archery!

Your own Warlord Chronicles – set just after the last legions departed Britain – featured the vestiges of Roman trappings…including a veteran Numidian! It’s reckoned many Sarmatians also stayed on in Britain(nia).

Robert Douglas