(August 1, 2016 at 9:37 pm)Banjo Wrote:(August 1, 2016 at 7:14 pm)Minimalist Wrote: The system did not really break down until the 3d century, though.
The land just got further away.
Keep in mind popular perception of the Romans were totally wrong. Roman Empire was not a highly militarized society from 31BC-~225AD. During this period Roman Empire had a population of around 50 million, but only around 120,000-150,000 legionaries. Considering that the troops serve 25 year terms, the whole empire with its enormous periphery needs to provide land for only 5 thousand retiring legionaries each year.
