Originally Posted by
diegis
I think there are couple myths
1- Romans was midgets, Barbarians was giants
-this is quite wrong, romans allowed in the legions just peoples at least 1.70 (or 1.71) m high and in a resonable physical shape (meaning not too skinny or too fat)
-diferences, even if in favour of Barbarians, was small, few centimeters at best, there wasnt in any was thousands of romans as tall as Maradona (which wouldnt be even allowed in a legion) vs thousands of Barbarians as tall as a basketball player
2- Individualy, the Barbarians was stronger, and Romans was trained to fight just in formations as a unit
-this is very debatable, and in no way a norm. Yes, some barbarians might be stronger or better, as equal as some romans who might be stronger or better, there is nothing sure here
-Romans was trained for years, and was quite a hard training, they was well feed and constantly, and received training including in wrestling (probably some boxing or even pancration too) and individual ight with his usual weapons. They used even dummy swords twice as heavy as the real ones so yes, they was very well prepared for individual fighting too. In fact, many times in battle the fight come to one on one at least for short periods. I read somehwere as well that one of roman comanders, dont remember exactly where, and who (Caius Marius i think) used gladiators to train his legionars for such individual fights
-yes, romans was much better to fight in formations, which ofcourse was helpfull, especialy since they fight usualy (with few exceptions) outnumbered (even heavy outnumbered) and keeping a good and coordinated formation was vital
Psichologicaly speaking, i think that things are mixed.
Romans believed in Patria, honour, glory, and that they are superior (especialy when they had good comanders), so this make them a strong psychic, reinforced with harsh punishments when was needed (even with decimation). This make them trully "war machines" who ruled the world for centuries
Barbarians was from diferent ways, but all having at least a cast of warriors ready to fight to the death, reinforced if necessary by some mushrooms as someone said before, or other habits. Some (as Germans) bring their families with them, so know they need to fight to the death to protect them. Others (like Dacians) was a theocratic and militaristic society who believe that this world is just a temporary home and the bravest warrior will have the best life dreamed on the otherworld, so again care more about killing as much as possible enemies then about his life. Some used psichological actions as painting their faces and screaming war cries (as Celts).
I believe this is a close one, and generaly all peoples back then was quite tough