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Everyday Moments in History - A Roman Soldier Prepares Dinner

🕑 Added 2018-06-22 15:52:20 +0000 UTC

Comments

The Older Avocado

Thanks for taking the time to answer§ I examined some more recent discussion (including a re-evaluation of the average height and bodyweight of Roman legionnaires) in a recent blog post, which puts 'old' calculations off by 500-1500 kcal. (<a href="https://theolderavocado.wordpress.com/2018/06/22/old-school-strength-iii-ad-optimam-valetudinem-fingendam/)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://theolderavocado.wordpress.com/2018/06/22/old-school-strength-iii-ad-optimam-valetudinem-fingendam/).</a> It's an excerpt (the full post is for Patreon supporters only) but I can share the draft with you if you are interested in the research and don't want to pay-to-read ;)

Invicta

I've been relying mostly on the book "The Logistics of the Roman Army at War" by Jonathan P. Roth. The first chapter deals with Supply Needs and Rations. On pg 12 "Extrapolating from US Army standards, a Roman soldier 30 years old, 170 cm tall, of medium build and weighing 66 kg would have a recommended daily allowance of approximately 3,000 calories per day" He also notes "For discussion of caloric need of ancient soldiers see Foxhall & Forbes (1982)"

The Older Avocado

Loved it! A bit surprised by 3.000 kcal, which seemed to me to be a bit low. Could you point to recent research on the topic? Thanks in advance! (I posted the same comment on YouTube, then realized that there was a Patreon to support, and did just that; don't bother answer both!)