395–398 AD Western Roman Expeditionary Army in Claudius Claudianus’ Poem De bello Gildonico: The Aspects of Ethnic Composition

The Later Roman court poet and panegyrist Claudius Claudianus (ca. 370 – after 404) supplies a main source on the military-­political history of Western half Empire in 395–404, particularly account revolt North Africa’s warlord Gildo raised up spring 397 suppressed winter 398. A relatively fast defeat was one from series undoubted victories general Stilicho, commander-in-chief all expeditionary troops. In this connection, Claudianus’ poem De bello Gildonico researchers with valuable evidence not only course military events, but also internal composition Stilicho’s troops sent against Gildo. Using poem, author given paper’s aim is to determine ethnic origin soldiers who fought Africa: analysis data has showed that corps comprised mainly German mercenaries origin. article explains why consecutively named as “Gauls” (Galli) name Galli so important him. extensively considered names mentioned by made conclusion wanted hide presence within troops, because, thought, direct mentions Germans’ participation raid would destroy image Stilicho commander. way contraposed rebellious who, according poet, commanded warriors local