I had to think about it a little before I posted. Part of me is perfectly willing to superimpose my cultural norms ( how US dealt with 9/11 and integrated it in

I had to think about it a little before I posted. Part of me is perfectly willing to superimpose my cultural norms ( how US dealt with 9/11 and integrated it into its history being an example of that ). I am just interested in history of Rome. If a Roman expert could chime in, it would probably be best since it is just a speculation on my end. In other words, I am no expert. That said, while I am willing to believe that propaganda effect alone was probably worth the trouble ( not to mention the unpractical nature of killing your own troops ), it is difficult for me to believe that the concept would have survived this long without..uhh.. reinforcing it. I did find some interesting sources, but I think this conversation[1] covers it well from several angles including ones you suggested. In other words, I think it is possible. [1]https://history.stackexchange.com/questions/26019/how-common-was-decimation-in-the-roman-army/26026 https://history.stackexchange.com/questions/26019/how-common...