Emily Briffett, an ancient historian, and Adrian Goldsworthy delve into the life of Roman soldiers, discussing their diet, impact on conquered regions, and training methods. They also explore the nickname of a Roman centurion and the soldiers' feelings towards being sent to Britain.
Roman soldiers received benefits like food and shelter, with opportunities for promotions and advancements.
The Roman army had a structured organization with Legions and Auxiliary troops serving alongside each other.
Roman soldiers experienced varied campaigns and interacted with locals, leading to diverse interactions and family ties.
Deep dives
Life in the Roman Army
The Roman army existed for a long time, from its founding in the 8th century BC to the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century AD. The army played a crucial role in the creation and expansion of the Roman Empire, using military force to conquer and hold territories across a vast region. There were different periods of rise and fall, with notable moments including the Punic Wars against the Carthaginians, Julius Caesar's campaigns, and the creation of the Roman Empire. The army consisted of both Roman citizens and non-citizens, with volunteers and conscripts serving alongside each other. Soldiers received benefits such as food, shelter, and pay, with opportunities for promotions and advancements in status.
Structure and Organization of the Roman Army
The Roman army was structured around the Legion, a unit of around 5,000 soldiers, and the Auxiliary troops, who were non-citizens and served alongside the Legionaries. Legions were organized differently throughout the centuries, with recruitment methods and obligations varying over time. Legionaries often served for 25 years, while Auxiliary soldiers could also become Roman citizens after their service. The army had both professional soldiers and volunteer recruits, with officers coming from the wealthy elite. The army bases, known as forts, served as garrison towns with accommodations, barracks, storage facilities, and granaries. The army had a system for providing food, with rations varying depending on the location and availability of resources.
Campaigns and Experiences of Roman Soldiers
The experiences of Roman soldiers varied widely depending on the time period and location. Some soldiers may have never been involved in a major battle, while others may have participated in multiple conflicts. Campaigns could range from minor skirmishes to larger operations, with the army often responding to raids and uprisings. The army aimed to maintain control and protect their territories, leading to periods of peace and consolidation alongside periods of rebellion and conflict. Soldiers could be stationed in different regions of the empire, enduring different environments and adapting to local conditions. The idea that soldiers resented being sent to Britain is a myth, as there is no evidence to support this claim.
Roman Army: Discipline and Punishments
The Roman army had strict discipline, with severe punishments for infractions. One form of punishment was decimation, where one in ten soldiers was executed. However, decimation was not imposed frequently. The army recognized the need for balance between harsh discipline and the risk of losing soldiers. While there were floggings and capital punishments, there was also leniency. Punishments were intended to be public and symbolic to deter others, following the Roman principle of using punishment as a means of deterrence.
Fraternization and Family Life
Roman soldiers would sometimes fraternize with locals, often leading to marriage with local women. In some cases, soldiers would bring their families from home to be with them. The relationships between soldiers and locals varied, with some cases of tension or abuse, but also instances of cooperation and protection. The presence of Roman soldiers could be seen either as an occupying force or as a safeguard against threats to the community. The cosmopolitan nature of the army led to diverse interactions and family ties across the empire.
What did the average Roman soldier eat and drink while on campaign? Were the legions seen as a oppressive force in the regions they conquered? And why was one Roman centurion nicknamed 'bring me another'? Speaking with Emily Briffett, ancient historian Adrian Goldsworthy answers listener questions on life in the Roman army – from training and punishment to whether legionaries really hated being sent to Britain.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.