Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus quotes

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus was a Roman writer, best known for his influential treatise on military matters, "De Re Militari." His work offered practical advice on training, discipline, and organization within the Roman army. He remains an important source for understanding ancient military theory and Roman warfare. Here are 20 of his quotes:

The courage of a soldier is heightened by his knowledge of his profession.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

A handful of men, inured to war, proceed to certain victory, while on the contrary numerous armies of raw and undisciplined troops are but multitudes of men dragged to slaughter.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

What can a soldier do who charges when out of breath?

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

We find that the Romans owed the conquest of the world to no other cause than continual military training, exact observance of discipline in their camps and unwearied cultivation of the other arts of war.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Valor is superior to number.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

An ambuscade, if discovered and promptly surrounded, will return the intended mischief with interest.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Paucos uiros fortes natura procreat; bona institutione plures reddit industria.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

In time of peace prepare for war.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

A stroke with the edges, though made with ever so much force, seldom kills, as the vital parts of the body are defended both by the bones and armor; on the contrary a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal. (Book 1)

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

An army unsupplied with grain and other necessary provisions will be vanquished without striking a blow. (General Maxims)

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

A general is not easily overcome who can form a true judgment of his own and the enemy's forces. Valour is superior to numbers. The nature of the ground is often of more consequence than courage. (General Maxims)

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Those designs are best which the enemy are entirely ignorant of till the moment of execution.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Troops are not to be led to battle unless confident of success.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

An adversary is more hurt by desertion than by slaughter. (General Maxims)

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

It is the nature of war that what is beneficial to you is detrimental to the enemy and what is of service to him always hurts you.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Consult with many on proper measures to be taken, but communicate the plans you intend to put in execution to few, and those only of the most assured fidelity; or rather trust no one but yourself.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Good officers never engage in general actions unless induced by opportunity or obliged by necessity.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Few men are born brave. Many become so through training and force of discipline.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus