I've been reading a bunch of stuff about ancient Greek food (specifically military rations) and what soldiers would eat out on campaign and whatnot, but there's a few things I don't really understand. Engels states in his book Alexander and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army that the main grain ration would've often been taken in the form of bread. I'm not familiar with the different types of bread production but I presume you need ovens to make it? If so, did the Macedonian army carry around a bunch of mini-ovens or something? Or is there another method to making bread that doesn't require an oven?
Also, the Osprey book about the Macedonian Infantrymen explains that usually the troops would have to purchase their own food in friendly markets or from the traders that accompanied the army. How can this be if they carried their own rations? I've also read that the Macedonian infantryman would not receive a monthly wage or so, instead being awarded prizes from loot or some such. If that's the case, how would he have been able to purchase food in the early days of the expedition into Asia, where there was no loot to be taken? A lot of it just seems to contradict each other. Could someone perhaps explain how this all fits together? It would be much appreciated.
Feel free to discuss rations of other ancient armies/countries, these are just a few questions I was wondering about. Thanks.