Military Reforms of Diocletian - Roman Imperial Army DOCUMENTARY

Our animated historical documentary series on the evolution of Roman armies and tactics continues with a video on the military reforms of Roman Emperors Gallienus, Diocletian and Constantine, as the introduction of limitanei, comitatenses and other reforms changed the armies of the Roman empire.

#Documentary #RomanArmy #Diocletian

[marcelcostache]

A state that survived for 2200 years started as a city state in Italy build an universal empire and ended up as a Greek Orthodox state on the Bosporus what a history no state in history of humanity changed so much since it’s beginning to its end.

[Liquidsback]

Don't forget the Chariot Ballistas, the chanting priests that boast morale and carry big crosses as well as the Foederati who all have small buckler shields, spears and are all blonde with Suebian knots.

[HistoryTime]

Oh yes. For sure one of the most captivating eras of the Roman Empire. Maximian, what a legend.

[Mikethehamham]

My boy Aurelian could use some love here

[francomilazzo]

>comes out of nowhere
>declares war on the emperor
>wins and declares himself emperor
>fixes the empire
>abdicates after 20 years because "no one should rule for so long"
>lives retired till his peaceful death

[paradox]

"Our series on the Roman armies will continue all the way to 1453"

Oh yeah, talk to me baby.

[dacolgianmarco]

Gallienus is undoubtedly one of the most underrated rulers Rome ever had. He managed to reign 15 years (7 with Valerian) in a period when an emperor reigned more or less 3-4 years or some months at best. He was a skilled bureaucrat and general. He opened the highest command posts in the army to the the soldiers who rose from the ranks, thus removing the legati legionis and tribuni laticlavi of senatorial rank with viri militares (praefecti legionis avens vices legatorum and probably the tribuni angusticlavi and primipili doubled their personnel) although this trend had precedents in the Severan period. He wasn't able to win back the East and Postumus rebellion after 260 but he tried to do his best with what he had, helped by the illyrian legions stationed on the Danube, possibly the best of the entire Empire. Love him.

[DeathmasterSniktch]

Last time I was this early legionaries were still paid in salt.

[wargriffin]

Comitatenses: "Damn weekend-warrior Limitanei, always showing up late with their old ass equipment."

[brunopereira]

The 4th, 5th and 6th centuries really fascinate me. The transition from antiquity to medieval is very interesting to behold. You can see several things here in this video that lay the foundation for medieval stuff.

Also, the late Roman emperors were guarded by literal paladins!

[JodenPaoloPeroy]

I've said it in one of your vids previously that the strength of the Roman Empire as a whole - and why it lasted until 1453 - was their ability to change when circumstances dictate it so. You can see this from their beginning as a Phalanx until they reached their apogee in the Legions of the Principate that they are not afraid to discard old ways in order to assure their success. While inglorious to a lot, merely SURVIVING and THRIVING on the world of Diocletian/Constantine was a feat of itself. That has to do with them changing with the times.

The throne may not have been made of gold as per Cassius Dio, but it sure is made out of steel. It has grit and resolve.

[Armorius]

Congratulations K&G you've reached the halfway point only a thousand years remaining.

[zach]

The makings of medieval Europe began with the Romans. Boy.

[Thatguyinyourclass]

I love that the Romans basically created early feudalism in Europe on accident because they couldn't effectively rule. Like I can see the dark ages coming through. With the castles and forts and defensive buildings along with a system of hierarchy of rulership. Just another reason I love the Roman Empire. They did what they had to do to survive and even after their collapse the groundwork they left was still evident.

[Torus]

It's interesting to look at military history from late Rome to the high Middle Ages and how cavalry evolved. I'm sure Diocletian's reforms didn't seem like a huge deal at the time, but in hindsight we can see that it was the start of a thousand year trend towards greater emphasis on producing more and better cavalry until Europe's entire social system was based around it.
*edit: Nice touch having the vaguely Roman music turning into the Crusader Kings II soundtrack at the end

[kjk]

Greetings to Kings and Generals from Diocletian's Palace called Spalatum, outside of Salona, today Split, Croatia.

[cleothehermetichermeticist]

“The Roman armies up until 1453.”



Don’t give me hope.

[crusader]

I love that this was posted just as I’m walking over to the first of 3 consecutive lectures I have today. At least I know that there’s something nice to do tonight, what with not having a social life.

[shorewall]

I love how this video shows the transition of the Roman Empire to what we would see in the Middle Ages. This period is so underrepresented in history. Well done!

[LazyLifeIFreak]

Makes me want to play Total War:Atilla as West/East Romens.

Sort of..
Maybe..