CC 302/347
INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME
Outline for
Lecture 6: The Roman Army
(II)
Romanization & the Pax Romana
- in many provinces, army provides technological
infrastructure (roads, aqueducts)
- army spreads Roman culture, Latin language
- discharged soldiers often settled in the provinces
where they served
- 31 BCE - 180 CE: Pax Romana prevalent: security, peace,
prosperity, good administration
- rebellions in provinces occur, but relatively
infrequently
Military Life & the Family
- prohibition against marriage (conubium) while in
military service
- children's status as citizens could be established
retroactively after discharge, when right restored
Provincials and the Auxilia
- auxiliaries provided the army's cavalry and light
infantry, archers.
- recruited from non-citizens.
- auxiliary soldiers received citizenship on discharge.
- distinction between the legions and the auxiliaries
The Larger Community
- settlements grow up around permanent garrisons
- presence of a settled garrison stimulated growth of an
industry of local producers and suppliers (occasionally
enforced colonization)
Political Role of the Army
- army exercised its role as king-maker
- 69 AD, "Year of the Four Emperors" -- Galba, Otho,
Vitellius Vespasian
- Praetorian Guard stationed permanently in Rome, hence
influential king-makers
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