Quote:
Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers
And the ONLY way the Mongols could beat the Romans is that the Romans come out and fight instead of staying behind their engineering works.
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Actually sir, I think this depends on which time period of the Empire we are talking about. Mid-2nd century and beyond would see a weakening Roman army and state, but vastly superior fortifications throughout the Empire (which barring civil war would suffice to keep the Mongols contained). Prior to that however, the cities were defended largely by the legions, not fortifications (although the legions themselves were capable engineers they were more offensive than defensive, erecting fortifications in enemy territory to enable them to extend their control). So prior to the 2nd century the Romans would have to come out and fight because the Mongol horse archers would move too fast to allow the Romans to fortify their cities.