Hold the front page

[Morsleib]

According to the BBC the dates for Julius Caesar's invasion is wrong.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7483566.stm

And even more importantly than a 4 day discrepancy, the accompanying photographs clearly show that his troops wore segmental armour.

Terry

Being picky today

[Varus]

The BBC really should do their research better… can't they tell the difference between Lorica Segmentata and Lorica Hamata?

[Drussus]

Man it really gets my goat! I watched a documentary on the Discovery channel the other day called Rome: Rise and Fall. It was generally pretty good, but had Roman soldiers from the very earliest days wearing Segmentata - Hastati, Principes, Triarii, the whole job lot! I do wish they'd try just a little bit harder.

Although I will admit there are more pressing issues facing the world today than the historical accuracy of military equipment in documentaries...

[aukenlak]

It irritates me less than finding obvious errors in books I buy about history. Happens all the time.

If I can spot your errors, you need new authors or editors...or both.

[Little Odo]

Hi Drussus, I feel your disappointment too. I work for Discovery Channel and get to see some of the history documentary previews in the mini-cinema before they are released on the air waves. I have made comments on this kind of thing but even as a staff member they fall on deaf ears - I think many programmes are made with other companies (who stump up the cash) who go more for the popular "Docu-drama" that looks good for the US market rather than being completely accurate factually.

I also agree with Aukenlak, but I still think it is best to get our details from peer-reviewed books (rather than coffee-table) if we want an educated guesstimate of what really might have happened.

[Drussus]

True indeed. Also, it's good to know that there are people working for t.v. companies who would like to see documentaries made as accurately as possible. Keep letting 'em know! And yeah, I think you're right about the 'docu-drama' look.

[Leigh]

I once saw a programme on the History Channel, about the evolution of ancient tactics and all that.

Anyway, about halfway through they explained how the Persians defeated the Greeks at the Battle of Marathon, through use of superior light infantry that the Greeks couldn't answer with hoplites.

Say WHAT!!!

Leigh