I Had To React To This Ancient Roman Historian On History Hit

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Link to the original video I am reacting to
• Historian Reviews the ...
The Roman Empire stands as one of the most influential and enduring civilizations in world history. From its humble beginnings as a small city-state to its zenith as a vast empire spanning three continents, Rome's legacy continues to shape the modern world in countless ways.
Rome's history is traditionally divided into three main periods: the Kingdom, the Republic, and the Empire. The Kingdom period, spanning from the legendary founding of Rome in 753 BC to 509 BC, was a time of monarchical rule. During this era, Rome was governed by kings and began to establish itself as a significant power in the Italian peninsula. The period ended with the overthrow of the last king, Tarquinius Superbus, and the establishment of the Roman Republic.
The Republican era, lasting from 509 BC to 27 BC, saw Rome evolve into a complex political entity governed by a system of checks and balances. Power was distributed among various institutions, including the Senate, consuls, and tribunes. This period witnessed Rome's expansion beyond the Italian peninsula, conquering territories across the Mediterranean. The Republic faced numerous challenges, including social unrest, slave rebellions, and civil wars, ultimately leading to its transformation into an empire.
The Imperial period, beginning in 27 BC with the reign of Augustus, marked Rome's transition to rule by emperors. This era saw the greatest territorial extent of Roman power, encompassing vast swathes of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Empire reached its peak during the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and prosperity lasting about two centuries. However, internal strife, economic difficulties, and external pressures eventually led to the Empire's division and gradual decline, with the Western Roman Empire falling in AD 476.
Throughout these periods, Rome's military played a crucial role in its rise, maintenance of power, and eventual fall. The Roman army was one of the most effective fighting forces in ancient history, known for its discipline, organization, and adaptability.
In its early days, the Roman military consisted of citizen-soldiers who served seasonally. As Rome expanded, it developed a more professional standing army. The basic unit of the Roman legion, the cohort, typically consisted of 480 men divided into six centuries. Legions were supported by auxiliary units, often composed of non-Roman citizens who brought specialized skills such as archery or cavalry.
Roman military success was built on several factors. First, their tactics and formations, such as the famous testudo (tortoise) formation, were highly effective. Second, Roman engineering skills allowed them to construct roads, bridges, and siege engines that gave them significant advantages in warfare. Third, their ability to adapt and incorporate useful elements from conquered peoples' military practices kept their army at the cutting edge.
The Roman navy also played a crucial role, especially in securing control over the Mediterranean Sea. This naval dominance was essential for maintaining supply lines and projecting power across the empire.
Roman military prowess was not limited to battlefield tactics. They excelled in logistics, maintaining supply lines across vast distances, and in siege warfare, developing advanced techniques and machinery for taking fortified positions.
The Roman military was also a vehicle for social mobility and cultural assimilation. Soldiers from across the empire served together, spreading Roman culture and values. Veterans were often rewarded with land in newly conquered territories, helping to Romanize these areas.
However, as the empire expanded, it became increasingly reliant on foreign mercenaries and faced challenges in maintaining loyalty and discipline among its troops. This, combined with external pressures from Germanic tribes and other forces, contributed to the eventual decline of Roman military power.
In conclusion, the Roman Empire's journey through the Kingdom, Republic, and Imperial periods represents a remarkable arc of political and social evolution.
#historyhit #ancientrome #reactionvideo

[@metatronyt]

Join this channel to get access to more old school Metatron videos the algorithm wouldn't prioritize! kzbin.info/door/IjGKyrdT4Gja0VLO40RlOwjoin Also if you like what I do and wish to support my work to help me make sure that I can continue to tell it how it is please consider checking out my Patreon! Unboxings are Patreon exclusives! www.patreon.com/themetatron Link to the original video I am reacting to kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJbWY55_fLKZb68

[@jbagger331]

Blame the French for the whole Pompey thing, Pompeè. Everyone else uses Pompeius or Pompeios...

[@dargaard3339]

Hey Metatron how about you make a video about ancient sicily before the first punic war or in your view it contradicts with your love for your conquerors and pride of being considered a descendant of Rome and as result of that pride such a video will never be made by you?

[@dargaard3339]

Rome became empire after death of Caesar at the hand of Brutus. Rome officially became an empire in 27 BC, when Octavian (later known as Augustus) was granted the title of "Augustus" by the Roman Senate. This marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire, with Augustus as its first emperor. This transformation followed a period of civil war and power struggles, culminating in the establishment of a more centralized autocratic rule. Sicily became part of Rome in 241 BC. This happened after the end of the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage. Sicily was the first Roman province, established as a result of Rome's victory in the war. And completely under Roman occupation after the second punic war. So sad Mr. Metatron that you don't know the history of your own native land. You should ask chat gpt and learn more about your native land. Never too late to learn though. The question is, are you able to?

[@dargaard3339]

So Sicily become a part of Rome during republic (after punic wars) and not the Roman empire. You're welcome!!!

[@jordanthomas4379]

I’d strongly recommend checking out the video historian roel konijnendijk did for history hit on Ancient Greek warfare

[@viktorgabriel2554]

if you ask me Bigus Dickus scene is one of the best Roman scenes i have ever watched in my life

[@paradisecityX0]

Can't outdo the stoning scene

[@Duke_of_Lorraine]

Romanes eunt domus !

[@slaapliedje]

I'm trying to remember which one of the Pythons is a massive history buff, but that is why so much of it was pretty historically accurate. I'm definitely convinced that all of the upper echelons of Roman society had a lisp of some sort or another! "I'm a Roman." "A Woman?" "No, a Roman!"

[@rafox66]

@@Duke_of_Lorraine It says 'Romans go home!' "No, it doesn't"

[@katarinatibai8396]

​@@Duke_of_Lorraine😂😂😂 That was great 😊

[@pvtj0cker]

Romans used leather bracelets to hide unmanly thin wrists. Source? My grandmom.

[@spyrofrost9158]

Your grandma was a filthy pict and you know it.

[@meraketh]

I mean I wouldn't dare to argue against your grandmom.

[@klausroxin4437]

I don't care what they tell you in school, Romans used black leather bracelets.

[@ConcettaLynch]

​@@klausroxin4437DID YOU SEE THAT YOURSELF? O MY GOSH! HOW OLD ARE YOU? OVER 2000 YEARS OLD ?😂😂😂

[@ancientstristan]

Hi there, thanks for watching the video and your kind words. It was a really fun video to record this one! My best.

[@Gabriel-br4qe]

Yes!! Please more content on History Hit my man

[@metatronyt]

I will thanks!

[@AdamJorgensen]

I enjoy History Hit, so I too second this

[@oskarskalski2982]

Agree, History Hit is one of the best history channels (I also enjoy History with Cy, The Histocrat, History of the world podcast on the Spotify, study of antiquity and Middle ages and several other that I forgot names). I liked Dan Snow's whole series about Plantagenets.

[@Gabriel-br4qe]

@@oskarskalski2982 History Hits also has a great podcast called Gone Medieval

[@mempamal44]

​@@metatronythi, in France we have 2 historical figures who surpass all others and even Napoleon Bonaparte. They are our pride, our national hero. A certain Mark Twain wrote for one that she is the most extraordinary human being that our planet has ever known. Please can you react "Joan of Arc, savior of kingdom of France" and "Louis lX the crusader king" of the Cajun cutthroat channel and you will understand what it means to "be proud to be French and what's more, you will do honor to the French people. THANK YOU👍🤞🤞

[@TheTrueCaesar]

People Be Acting Like Life of Brian is Supposed To Be Historically Accurate

[@manubishe]

Why each word capitalised tho ?

[@Batman4rl]

@@manubishemy brain refused to read his comment as English

[@idrathergetaidsthangetwoke9145]

Relax, cukk. It's a cursed setting in Android phones.

[@ericmichels6158]

Wait, it's not?

[@saruflan5441]

That's why Cleopatra doc from netflix exists!!!

[@rhawkas2637]

10:20 On the crucifying deserters, I figured it was a much more simple "If you're running away, then clearly you don't want to be Roman anymore, so we're gonna treat you as if you aren't."

[@WeAreSoBackBaby]

1st, I have to say you invested in an excellent microphone. Audio is superb. Love your channel, and ROme was one of my favorite series of that time period. So much so, just seeing it here is making me rewatch it again. lol, thx for your great reviews and historical accuracy

[@metatronyt]

I appreciate that! Yes the blue Yeti. Good quality and reasonably affordable.

[@xneapolisx]

Metatron, I guess you're not going to watch the upcoming Netflix history special entitled "SPQR: When Everyone Wore Bracelets" ? 😂

[@CertifiedSunset]

The "Real Goths Sack Rome" shirt is hilarious, I always love clever word play, especially when it comes to the Visigoths.

[@skjaldulfr]

That's not even wordplay. The Visigoths were one of several Gothic peoples.

[@kaltaron1284]

@@skjaldulfr Which have nothing to do with modern Goth cuture which is the joke.

[@skjaldulfr]

@@kaltaron1284 Disagree. It's the same word, because it does come from the same origin. Gothic barbarian and modern fashion Goth is not a case of unrelated homonyms. There were the Gothic barbarians that sacked Rome, then the Gothic cultural movement of the Middle Ages, which was so named because it used a deliberately anti-Roman design language, and it came from the descendants of the 5th Century Goths (Germanic people). Then there was the Gothic literature and its aesthetics, which was so named because of its connection back to the medieval Gothic design movement. Gothic literature included horror, and stories about monsters. And modern Gothic fashion takes its name and inspiration from the aesthetics of Gothic literature. So they do have something to do with each other. Calling the original Goths the "real Goths" makes perfect sense. It's like saying real skaters actually skateboard, in a future society where people are called skaters just for wearing skate shoes and stuff. Like, yeah. Absolutely. I don't see how that's wordplay.

[@Maybeabandaid9]

Yea, I thought it was funny.

[@manuelapollo7988]

I was reading a book about the roman legions and I have discovered that more roman swords have been found in Danish swamps than in all the former territories of the roman empire combined. I found that so mind-blowing and I would love you to do a video about that.

[@Heylon1313]

Very much enjoying these react/review episodes with great commentary from both The expert in this video and you.

[@trenae77]

My favorite Podcaster being reviewed by my favorite KZbinr - History Inception and I'm here for it!!

[@metatronyt]

Thanks!

[@krupam0]

On the subject of "Italy" being a modern term. Literally the first sentence of the Aeneid, written under Augustus, reads "Arma virumque canó, Trojae quí prímus ab órís Ítaliam, fátó profugus, Lávínjaque vénit lítora" or in English roughly word by word something like "To arms and man I sing, of Troy who first from coasts *to Italy* , by fate exiled, to Lavinian he came shores". So whoever claims that the term "Italy" is 200 years old is at least missing one zero.

[@TheKangist]

It's something usually leftists say

[@M0butu]

Italy refering to a nation is a modern thing. And as term for a location I believe it refered strictly to the landmass between the coasts, so bad luck for Milano. 😅

[@UlpianHeritor]

Literally not the same concept as Italy, the modern nation. There is Italia, the geographic term known to the ancient Romans, and then there is Italy (Italia in Italian), the modern nation, which in this context is indeed a modern concept. Just because they are the same word, doesn't mean they describe the same concept.

[@davestevenson9080]

@@UlpianHeritor correct, even an entry level total war player will know italia from venetia, magna grecia etc. such a shame CA ceased to be educational in any meaningful way

[@HansVonMannschaft]

​@@UlpianHeritor Why is it always the guys with Latin usernames who are the least informed? Italia is Latin. Italy is English. That's all there is to it. They are the same word, and you don't know what you're talking about.

[@lukedanyi]

Having these daily uploads to watch every day is awesome. I might not like EVERY video, but I still check the channel every day. One of the best channels I watch. Keep up the good work sir! Blessings on you and your house!!

[@soulknife20]

I watch History Hit. Big fan. Especially of the Ditch Man. And Dan Snow is pretty great.

[@KalNertea]

Ditch guy is my favorite, love his knowledge and style :)

[@soulknife20]

​@@KalNerteaHis 300 breakdown is great.

[@Maybeabandaid9]

Dan Snow and Roel K. are both rather good.

[@SultanOfAwesomeness]

Love Dan. Used to watch battlefield Britain with him and his dad. Now that I’m older I realize it wasn’t a perfect or unbiased show, but that it was still fun nevertheless.

[@DPXerxes]

THE KING IN THE NOR... wait no nevermind

[@BoomsvaderArie]

Here before the block

[@Realdrlipschitz]

Here before the Eastern Bloc

[@soulknife20]

History Hit isn't really that way. As far as I know.

[@13thcentury]

Here before Jenny from the block

[@Ewil.Bluetooth]

Here after the block

[@MR-MR-ud5oo]

Getting blocked here is a badge of factual accuracy. Metatron win!

[@righteousindignation3548]

Per the leather bracers...... I have no historical references and am not making a historical observation, just a practical one. I'm not sure if you've ever done hard physical labor or perhaps low rep/high weight resistance training, but during hard labor, your wrists and bottoms of your forearms get beat up more than anything. It's soft, thin, non calloused skin, in general. Bracing your wrists with counter pressure also protects the joint and assists with grip strength. I mention this because I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Roman soldiers did all the construction and quarrying and labor at campsites. Cheers!

[@bewawolf19]

Bracers don't, well, "Brace" your wrists. It is just a term for material protecting the inner part of the arm. It's existence in popular media for Romans has nothing historically based, but rather a Hollywood invention.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Yeah but the bracers are protecting the outside of the arm. Not the inside.

[@righteousindignation3548]

​@misanthropicservitorofmars2116 Incorrect. As I explained, the tight counter pressure bolsters the wrist. That increases the efficiency of the internal workings, especially strengthening the joint, which is internal, and increasing grip strength, which is a result of tendons and musculature, which is internal. They also prevent hyperextension, which is an internal injury. So, yes, they do protect the inside. You may not have gotten the impression that I know a great deal about this, but I do. Feel free to ask me more.

[@thedeadindividualist9581]

@@righteousindignation3548 You are mixing terminology. Bracers aren't for literally "Bracing" the arm. They are arm protection from external impacts, whether it be the bracers you see in plate armor or the bracers worn by archers. Likewise the reason why Romans are depicted wearing them comes exclusively from Hollywood where they wear leather bracers for fashion. It has nothing to do with pressure, grip or suchlike. You would not want to wear armor or archery braces whilst doing construction, quarrying or such labour.

[@robo5013]

I've worked in construction for forty years and have never, nor seen anyone else, worn any kind of wrist protection. While I do have a few scars on my wrists and forearms my hands are covered in them. Plus nothing you wear will 'increase' your grip strength.

[@jensphiliphohmann1876]

Yes, we want a continuation.

[@urszulabieganska2177]

I love listening to “The Ancients” podcast and Tristan is one of best commentators. Thanks for covering one of his videos, overall it would be great to give them more platform. Good job.

[@leonpaulbolissian5387]

I love it when historians actually agree with each other. And it's nice to have THIS channel to give us deep research and credibility to content. i had watched this video before, and now I can actually trust that most of the things that are said are factual, actual and the truth. Loved this video!

[@Maybeabandaid9]

I love History Hit. I literally thought about asking you to cover one of History Hits videos last night. The one about the movie Troy was rather good. Side not, the historian they have in that one I think you would like. He's done multiple videos of this type on their channel.

[@soulknife20]

I'm a big fan of the ditch man on History Hit

[@Maybeabandaid9]

@@soulknife20 Indeed, Ditch mans good.

[@Brunners90]

Ditch man is awesome. Pops up all over the place and is a great character

[@wedgeantilles8575]

History Hit is very much "hit" or "miss" - some of their experts are very good. Like Roel Konijnendijk (and yes, I had to check his name for the spelling^^). I love his videos. Other videos I saw were just bad and full of errors. That's why I am not a fan of them, I prefer I channel I know I can trust.

[@danwillett5657]

Ditch Lord is the best

[@wizkidgamer9942]

My two favorite historians clash. One unhinged, the other, *literally a roman scholar* This will be so much fun! Also, I know Peach has a lot of.. uh.. takes, but I find many of his insights to be very helpful in clown world

[@paulmartinson875]

Thanks!

[@brianconnolly5649]

Whistle maybe used for the training grounds. Drills etc.

[@einefes]

24:29 i will never go against you when ancient rome is on the line

[@Bart-errejota]

Metatron, greetings from a brazilian, son of italian father/mother, following your channel from Ireland 🙏🔥

[@metatronyt]

I appreciate thanks!

[@Darth_Traitorous]

Thank you for going to history hit I thought you would like some of their content to digest/breakdown. They have some really good historians that go all over and go to real battlefields and discuss what happened in England and Europe.

[@marcusdirk]

Good to have a history video you can give a positive reaction to! 👍

[@Maxrodon]

FUN FACT- At 3:27 in the video when the guy is talking about the use of Whistles, he mentions a “Dr.Ben Kane” who told him about the whistles and gave some insights. That very same Ben Kane, is an author of a lot of really Good and very historically accurate Ancient Roman Military History. Highly recommend you look up his books. His books range from the Rise of Caesar, Punic Wars with Hannibal, The Tutenbourg Forrest, Crassus and the battle of Carrhae and a lots more. Lots of combat and a decent stories and in the end of each book, Ben does a nice deep dive into the historical context of the story you have just read, his research material and so on. Highly recommend.

[@GothPaoki]

I do love some of history hits guests like " The ditch guy" but there's a lot of fanfiction also from some of them..

[@kevinmcqueenie7420]

Glad you enjoyed this one! I always thought Tristan Hughes was legit, glad to see you agree (so far!), from History Hit, another you might actually like is Roel Konijnendijk (also known as "The Ditch Guy"!) Another historian who is interested in the history and only the history.

[@kenchin77777]

Haha Goths are like a subculture of people that wear dark clothes among other things. His shirt is referring to the Germanic goths

[@SGT_RPGames]

I appreciate your breakdown of the presentation. I grew up outside of NY city and I know quite a few Sicilians who might take exception with you calling them Italians 😉but I completely understand what you are saying. As always your presentation is stellar. Keep up the excellent work my friend.

[@Grandwigg]

This was really good. I can't wait for more. I'll have to check out the original, as well.

[@joebeatty7961]

Really liked this podcast and the channel. Keep it up. Please do more analysis of other films.

[@Zbigniew_Nowak]

8:43 As I heard, this was also the idea in the Prussian army, but then they had to change commanders during the real war so that the soldiers would not take revenge for previous mistreatment and shoot at the commander XD

[@stalhandske9649]

Yes, and Russian army still works this way today.

[@Zbigniew_Nowak]

@@stalhandske9649 I don't know, but it's possible and it wouldn't surprise me at all. I know they have "barrage teams" that shoot at those who try to turn back.

[@DanielRaymondZink]

The Ancients is one of my go-to podcasts at work. He had a wonderful episode about Mycenaean Greece

[@maxstirner6143]

Hey Metratron, what about a video bout being a military slave? I mean, what kind of slaves they used? I doubt they used enslaved warriors. Those where always with the same contubernia/unit/legion? They were attached to some regional slave camp/military HQ? They were attached by expedition or time? Im really curious about it.

[@bigmal1690]

I agree, i like him too, he comes across very likable and knowledgeable. Im going to lookout for more of his work

[@Azazel-uv3sx]

Ver-sahn-geh-tor-ex Just like you've never heard Casius Dio as Daiyo, I've never heard Vercingetorix pronounced like its some eldritch warp horror from Warhammer 40k lol

[@MalkaniRaumu-gp9qf]

my favourite series! keep it up please.

[@idontknowyoubutialreadyhat1292]

Yes! And he should analyze their pirate historians next...

[@Roland3ld]

Here is some full support for algorithm nonsense and channel growth.

[@NicoBellisarioMusic]

I thought the cape worn in triumph was Purple, same color as the cape that roman kings used. If what I read is true, in Caesar case this would be particularly relevant since his autoritarian intentions showed through his decision of wearing such purple cape in all kinds of public occasions after the triumphs , even reaching to the infamous incident in which Marcus Antonius offered a diadem to Caeser during a public event. This would have completed the classic King attire (purple cape plus diadem) making him king. Caesar refused the diadem and peole cheered. Marcus Antonius offered it again to Caeser and Caesar rejected it again. Most likely this was staged by Caesar to test the waters for him claiming the throne

[@capedkat]

I've clicked this right away before it is gone! I hope it will stick this time though

[@danielward2328]

You need to check their content, they are spot on with their analysis.

[@Enhancedlies]

i love alot of history hit stuff - more on these videos for sure! but im still wanting more Lex

[@shadowstryker640]

History Hit and Survive History are two of the best channels to react to for historical content. Most of the time, they really know their stuff and always explain things in an interesting manner!

[@shoresy6943]

Look at those historically accurate bracers.

[@GreyMagee74]

Most of the History Hit's commentators are like Metatron, but they have had some Vanity Fair/Wired type of historians. Another great video!

[@13thcentury]

It's very much a mixed bag.

[@ducatobeing]

I am a big fan of History Hit and Metatron, so I was concerned that there may be a conflict of interest. I needn't have worried. I watched the video that you reviewed immediately prior to seeing your reaction. It was very good to see that you were impressed with the work. I enjoyed both immensely.

[@CertifiedSunset]

Thank for for clarifying the whole Scicilian and Sardinian thing when it comes to Italy, I'm part Sardinian and I have some family still living on the island aswell on mainland Northern Italy that I want to meet one day, hopefully sooner than later.

[@haikopaiko]

The use of whistles in the chaos of battle is a pretty cool idea though, to get through the shooting and clanking of metal ✨

[@chrisinjapan5736]

I love this podcast. He is great and I also love this yiutube channel !

[@swordsmen8856]

ALSO LOVE THESE REACTIOSN KEEP EM COMING.

[@metatronyt]

I will thanks!

[@johnathansaegal3156]

If "Life of Brian" becomes the most accurate film on Ancient Roman history, I wouldn't be that surprised (excluding the wrist bracers).

[@robertstrong6798]

The way Metatron is squirming in his seat 💺 mention the leather wrist bands lmao 🤣

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

Did you accidentally include the patreon clip twice? cant see why you would do that on purpose. 10:23 and 13:26

[@YandreYak]

I watched this guy. liked his analysis very much

[@DPXerxes]

We have no specific evidence of how those whistles were used in the roman military: therefore, it must be ceremonial

[@historygateyt]

It must be a religious artifact

[@soulknife20]

A whistle on a pitched battlefield isn't going to be heard. Thus why flags were a thing. As someone who was in the military, whistles were used in training and during ceremonies. So. It's probably accurate

[@T10-Top-Ten]

Everything you said is poorly considered. They are speculating the use of whistles to control the shifting of lines, not the larger movement of entire units. Only men in immediate proximity need to be able to hear and there is zero reason to assume they wouldn’t be able to. By design, whistles are quite literally the loudest noise that can be made easily and they would have no problem hearing it. In football, men are locked into loud and violent crashes quite akin to battle lines and respond easily and reliably to referee whistles. How are the men in the front line going to see your flags which are surely behind their backs? Signals are used for broader movement and communication between element commanders, not by sergeants controlling their ‘platoon’. This is no different from warfare in the age of musket, when things would have been infinitely louder, and yet still instruments were being used to control men in the acute while signals were used to communicate between command elements.

[@DontThinkso-kb9tc]

​@@soulknife20lmao

[@baconghoti]

@@soulknife20 if you think a whistle is so quiet why were the British so desperate for trench whistles during WWI that they forced Cadbury to hand over all their tin to ACME when they ran out of brass? All their tin, even the processed tin sheet. Whistles got sent with Cadbury ink and stamping still in them to the trenches where the mortars, artillery, machine guns and rifles made a schoosh more noise than just men and horses. Semaphore might let commanders and unit leaders exchange orders, but are not much use when one is facing towards the enemy. Whistles were used during the Crusades, Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used pipes in their Navies and Europeans used a hybrid during the era of sailing ships and cannons. The concept and implementation of signalling whistles pre and post dates the Romans, but we don't have documentation that they did it. However we do find whistles in the remains of a military force that developed the flat pack portable fort. It is not unreasonable or impractical to postulate that they used them, just undocumented.

[@JackoBlades]

Thank you, I learned something new today.

[@Maybeabandaid9]

I'm excited. I cant wait for Metatron to react to Ditch Man's Alexander review. : )

[@soulknife20]

Or his 300 review. That's a fun one. Ditch Man also does Google questions about things like Troy and Sparta that are great

[@Maybeabandaid9]

@@soulknife20 They both were good. I just caught the Troy one last night.

[@BygoneUser1]

Regarding the whistle, I think according to some primary sources (forget who exactly) we are told that cohorts were rotated to keep the men fighting on the front fresh & from losing energy and strength. I think this is one of those things that is wrongly attributed to the 'Marian Reforms' by certain older historians & popular historians. Still, it is kind of misleading, because I don't think there is much evidence that two lines of fighters might swap out mid-battle in the same cohort. But, my interpretation is that that's basically what HBO is trying to purvey, as well as just portray how disciplined the Roman army was in general compared to their contemporary 'barbarian' foes(something most Roman sources absolutely delight in pointing out). Unfortunately, as far as I know, we don't really know how switching out a spent cohort for a fresh one mid battle would really work(of course there are theories), so HBO deciding on an ahistorical down-scaled version isn't so egregious.

[@Nino1Piece3]

Your channel is the best for all things Roman.

[@jed2950]

I think it would be fun for you to react to, Oversimplifieds videos on the first punic war and Hannibal Barca

[@abcdef-cs1jj]

Interesting about 'Italy' not being a thing prior to X to disassociate the modern day with its' roots. There is a similar 'argument' being pushed about Germany often, claiming that Germany 'Deutschland' didn't exist prior to 1871 because the state called 'Deutsches Reich' came into being than. Complete historical revisionism of course - the word deutsch ('of our people') exists for longer than we can trace back. The battle of Teutoburg forest is, for example, fought at a place called forest of 'Our people's fortress'. Deutschland is even more flexible in its' meaning than Italy is though, since it isn't tied to any geographical place in particular, hence the saying 'Germany is where a German soldier stands'.

[@jankkobetoni5152]

Really loved the Rome series season 1, the second season was all over the place. Speaking of historical fiction, I'd really recommend the Masters of Rome book series and would love to see your opinions on it.

[@ComfyDents]

IT HAPPEND! First time I've seen the original video before Metatrons reaction. 😂

[@zaydeshaddox7015]

Oh wow. I've been watching Metatron for a little over a year now and I just now noticed that he wears that black Renaissance tunic with the puffyy shoulders in every episode. That's pretty cool.

[@greendro6410]

Great vid 👍🏽

[@molotulo8808]

I watched "Rome" and Deadwood " at the same time. Two great shows.

[@happymouse8426]

I enjoy History Hit programs. They do just about everything, castles from various ages, weapons, navel battles, movies, etc. Dan Snow is a great presenter and I first came across Dan and his father co-presenting battles from all ages up to current. Then Dan started History Hit and uses all kinds of experts in different fields. As his ad for History Hit says..everything history.

[@danwillett5657]

Need to review one of Roels ( the Ditch Lord ) HH videos for sure 👌

[@Brianroadtofaith]

Love this one. I was going to ask you if you would do one on Knightfull with the Templars and king Philip. Just wanted to see what you think of there dress and swordsmanship.

[@simonphoenix3789]

A whistle does seem like an excellent way of communicating simple commands during the din of battle though. But then again, maybe that would simply result in the enemy catching on and imitating that, causing confusion.

[@BygoneUser1]

What is the basis for the supposition that Roman soldiers wore red tunics in battle? It's my understanding that we don't actually have much evidence for this from historical sources, and although some Roman soldiers may have worn red on campaign, there is just as much likelihood that they would be wearing white/off-white or any other number of colours. Is there some source that indicates that there was some standard for the colour to be worn in battle that I am unaware of? Are you judging based on paintings & other non-fabric/organic surviving equipment? Because it's my understanding you can find both red & non-red tunics & other items(but scuta, plumes, decorative bits, etc..) I know that Xenophon mentions in his 'Spartan Polity' that the Spartiates/homoioi were decreed by Lycurgus to wear red cloaks so as to appear more manly and warlike- but, of course, probably you would not be wearing your klamys in battle anyway. Just curious; it's been my understanding that as far as the idea of the 'Roman army arrayed in all red', this was mostly a modern Hollywood contrivance. In fact, I seem to remember you made a video a long time ago kind of refuting this idea(though honestly it's been a long time since watching it). Sorry, maybe I'm splitting hairs or being pedantic over a small comment, just curious if maybe your opinion has changed on the subject.

[@soulknife20]

Wasn't red dye like really expensive?

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@soulknife20 Yes, but not expensive like blue or purple. As far as on campaign, I think the legionaries had more latitude to wear their own choice of color than while in permanent camp. It would have been difficult and, on the whole, somewhat pointless for the centurions and legion commanders to insist on red tunics every day of a campaign that might actually take years from start to finish because the average legionary would have great difficulty obtaining dyed garments while out on campaign.

[@BygoneUser1]

@@soulknife20 Certain shades were, but there were types that were not particularly expensive. Organic dyes often have different components/ingredients & techniques to get similar colours, some being more or less time-consuming/expensive; so it's never as simple as 'x colour is expensive' (albeit in the context of the ancient mediterranean, certain colours like purple were always expensive-- but for example in contemporary Han China that might not be the case due to availability of alternatives; if you went into the americas, their cultures also had other organic dye compounds/techniques etc. etc.)-- often it's more like, 'x shade/s is/are expensive'.

[@soulknife20]

​@@BygoneUser1Ahh. Okay. Thanks

[@Lee-vk1xy]

I have been wondering for some time just how often decimations occurred. The only reference I've actually read of them is Marcus Anthony's campaign in the East. At least in the naval context "flogging" was the term used for whipping.

[@TheArthoron]

Something to consider about leather wristbands in film may be a cheap way to cover a watch tan line.

[@Red_Rebel]

He’s amazing, he’s such a fan of anything ancient history.

[@sir_no_name1478]

The Stirups removal is a very good use case for AI. One friend of mine had a bsc. Thesis where she removed fences from images of animals in captivity. With modern hardware and architecture you could pull that off for sure. (I use AI instead of ML and more precise terms for the common people)

[@heathergreenakers]

HBO’s Rome was what piqued my interest in Ancient Rome. I’ve always loved history, but this definitely my favorite historical period and in the 20 years since, I have made it my mission to learn every scrap of information I can, which is what brought me to this channel. ❤ On a side note, I am a Christian, and the pastor I listen to the most just happens to be a wealth of information on Ancient Rome and these times.

[@lordmetzgermeister]

26:00 What do you think about the leather-y looking brown cuirasses in that last shot (The Last Legion)? And the black capes and black tunics? Anyway I watched the original video before and really enjoyed it. Thanks for your commentary and looking forward to part 2!

[@chemina8541]

@metatronyt as someone with riding experience, though you have probably been told already: an inexperienced rider on a horse without stirrups is a recipe for disaster. if they have a good teacher most equestrians will spend hours practicing riding with entwined stirups, which means pulling them up and crossing them over the front of the saddle so the metal bits dangle on the opposite side to where they hang normally. or, more modern, a riding pad that lacks stirups completely. All to train a good seat in all gaits and to improve balance. I kissed the sand often while figuring it out and there was a well-maintained indoor rink with a lot of padding/sand and safety equipment to keep me uninjured. Imagine how risky that must be in a chaotic, noisy scene? No insurance would agree to cover that. The Roman cavalry trained like mad to be able to ride like that without stir ups, no actor has the time to accomplish a similar feat. But adding to authenticity: never mind the stir ups, in most cases, everything is wrong from the bit to how high the pommel should be - or if there should even be a pommel!

[@tatsuyas.drakensang4826]

I don't know if ir was intentional, but you put the patreon announcement two times my noble scribe 😂

[@AdamJorgensen]

History Hit did a pretty nice video recently about Petra, it was an interesting watch

[@irisl2508]

Watching now in case it gets blocked❤

[@metatronyt]

Thank you for the support!

[@idontknowyoubutialreadyhat1292]

Please du their pirate historians next!

[@alessandrocalabrese8474]

Well, initially the Word Italia was used by the Greeks to indicate only southern Italy and then expanded to the whole peninsula up to the end of the Appennini by the 4th century BC. Cisalpine Gaul (Northern Italy/Po Valley) was incorporated geographically and in administration to Italy by Augustus. The Islands were included only by the time of Emperor Diocletian.

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

My hairstylist is from outside Naples ❤ the guy He paints Cuts hair Does pearceings Love MP

[@Kingp456]

Gotta say Tristan Hughes and Dan Snow of History Hit are absolute beasts. 10000/10 recommended listening to The Ancients or History Hit podcasts if you haven't already!

[@zimzob]

20:38 the soldiers wearing red _paludamenta_ could be tribunes, who typically wore red cloaks as a sign of their office.

[@blaznskais2048]

I’m coming from the from the perspective of a soldier, not a historian. But the use of a whistle in battle makes perfect sense to me. It’s loud, it’s clear and more easily heard over the chaos of battle. Just like how in later years drums and trumpets were often used to give orders across a formation. It could have been one of those things that was so common place that it wasn’t seen as significant enough to write down. As paradoxical as that sounds. Ex: there was a city in Egypt we know once existed because it’s mentioned multiple times in letters between two friends. But because it was so well understood between the two parties they never saw fit to write down the location. Therefore historians know it existed but have no idea where it was.

[@DonnaCPunk]

I saw this two weeks ago and, as I watched it, was curious to what your own reaction would be. 👍

[@christina3512]

History Hit is a really good channel. It's run by Dan Snow, and features a lot of excellent historians. They have a lot of good medieval content, too.

[@quicksimplebeauty]

History Hit is excellent. Thank you for commenting on it

[@Lee-vk1xy]

Another content creator mentioned that they avoided the bot copyright issues by running the clips at greater or lesser than normal speeds.

[@callumbiasnow4825]

With regards to being more scared of your commander than your enemy, this is best depicted in the 90s movie Judge Dredd starring Sylvester Stallone, when the gang leader in the mega block shouts to his underling who is terrified of Dredd “you want to be afraid of someone? Be afraid of MEEEEE!”

[@standingwatchinarizona]

I was born in an Iralian family. I met many from Sicily. Woe unto you calling them Italian.

[@huskaroar6869]

In HBO's Rome season 1 , after Pullo and Octavion kidnap Evander , Octavion tells Pullo to Torture Evander and Pullo responds by saying he didn't know how and that there was a torture specialist in the 13th that dealt with torture. So were torture specialists actually a part of the Roman legions ? Very curious to know .

[@iDeathMaximuMII]

I read something about Roman "Death squads" being kinda a thing. Now, of course, that's not what they were called. But there's some references of Roman detachment groups, acting like death squads. Pacify the rebellious locals & ensure none of them rise up. Rome would often carry out "retaliation campaigns" if their lands were raided. Where the troops would act brutally. I'm not 100% sure if there are any. But I'll look it up & see if I'm remembering any of this right. Apologies if I'm wrong lol.

[@huskaroar6869]

@@iDeathMaximuMII I appreciate your response but I was more interested with the torture specialists. I suppose if they were such people in the legions , their job would require them to torture enemies for information or torture captured fleeing legionnaires to know how many fled and where they might be heading. Just to discourage other legionaries from running away

[@DonPedroTheDude]

Pompey Magnus sounds pretty epic when said the right way. I'll agree Pompey sounds pretty silly when you first hear it as a child, but it definitely grows on you.