Geographical Concepts And Intelligence Essay, Research Paper
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Did Romans have
necessary topological skill to accurately map boundaries etc for strategy. ?
Madaba Mapo ? would modern military planners find this serviceable.? Little knowledge of geography for strategic
purposes. Any info after the event. ?
Roman intelligence
rudimentary at best in East ? ample evidence to show Romans head East without
knowing where they were going. ?
Dependence on local
guides show Romans did not possess adequate geographical information before
embarking on major foreign campaigns. ? Aelius Gallus attempt in Southern
Arabia. ?
Neither Pliny nor
Starbo found information from military campaigns trustworthy. ?
People who look at
large scale maps for conclusions regarding strategy ? using concepts and
methods not available to the Romans..?
Romans thought of population not geography in their thinking.? Didn?t think primarily of defence either. ?
No evidence either of
military or state police to spot revolts within Empire or even in the army. ?
BUT BYZANTINE period
Rome and Persia paying travellers to spy for the state on affairs there. ?
Byzantium 600 ? only
purpose of intelligence to gather information about enemy strength and
movements in order to prevent surprise.?
Military handbooks show General must know if he can get to supplies in
short distance ? how do they obtain this info? ?
Stressed people should
be captured to give information ? but only good during campaign.? Byzantine handbook no mention of geography ?