[gothic-l] Military Terms

[iainralph]

Thanks all for your contributions.

Summarising what has been said, I now have the following terms for
the Gothic leaders and units in the game:

Fritigern (overall commander and leader of the migratory tribes) - I
don't really need a title, but for interest sake, I have assumed that
he was definitely a "Reiks" and possibly also regarded as "Thiudans"
although at that time, Athanaric was the official bearer of this
title for the Tervingi.

For the leader of the other main tribal contingent, formerly led by
Alaviv (assasinated at the start of the revolt), I have assumed a
successor "Reiks"

There were a number of other tribal groups - Tervingi and others -
who joined the "Fulk" during the revolt.  I have decided to place
them under the leadership of one of Fritigerns retainers ("Siponjos")
with the title "Drauhtins"

Similarly, the known leaders of the main allied contingents, Alatheus
and Saphrax, do not need a title, but I suspect they would also
be "Draughtins" or early candidates for the "Harjatuga" title.  On
this point, given the massive social and cultural changes that were
wrought on the Visigothic people during the 40 year migratory period,
I am tempted to assume the majority of Latin (or borrowed) titles
would have come into use after Adrianople.  Certainly, it was another
generation from Fritigern's time when the leader became a "Rex".

For minor leaders, only really of importance as replacements for
incapacitated commanders, I have assumed the title "Frauja" to be
most appropriate.

With regards the fighting units, I have:

Frijai         general Tervingi warriors
Militon        Gothic deserters from Roman service
Waithja        skirmishers
(or would "Jiuka" or "Stiuriliggs" be more suitable?)
Andbahtos      elite warrior bands surrounding key leaders
(or would "Siponjos" be more appropriate? - I know that in later
years, Visigothic kings would have a retinue or "Saiones", although
this term seemed more used for a circle of valued nobles providing a
core of officers to be despatched on campaign)
Thraci         simple term for the various locals recruited
Greuthungi, Alani, Hunni      for the key allied contingents

Any comments or recommendations?

Iain



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