ABSTRACT
This chapter examines and rebuts the main arguments that the regulae were interpolated. The manuscript evidence makes clear that the rules were penned at an early date, and nothing opposes Vegetius himself having composed them. Dankfrid Schenk pointed to four particular rules which he argued did not derive from any other section of the Epitome, showing that neither Vegetius nor an interpolator created the regulae. Michael Reeve adds that Vegetius often links across from section to section using connective particles, making headings superfluous. As with Vegetius’ regulae, it is unclear how Onasander’s gnomic statements on generalship were set apart from the rest of the text. In the more immediate historical context, however, there could be other reasons why Vegetius’ rules might have been well received. The chapter concludes by suggesting that Vegetius’ precepts were also significant in their specific historical context.
