Recruitment in the Roman Army

Who could choose to join the Roman army as a legionary soldier?

Roman citizens.

What did applicants for the Roman legionary army usually bring to apply?

A letter of recommendation from a respectable community member.

What qualities did examiners look for in Roman legionary applicants?

Watchful eyes, good posture, broad chest, muscled shoulders and arms, flat stomach, and lean bottom.

Which professions did Roman legionary examiners prefer?

Carpenters, butchers, smiths, and hunters.

What medical assessment did Roman legionary recruits undergo?

A medical exam to check physical fitness.

What financial support was given to new Roman legionary recruits to join their legion?

Money to pay for their journey to join the legion.

How was the salary of Roman legionary soldiers funded?

By the state, through taxes and spoils of war.

How much was the annual salary of a Roman legionary under Augustus?

225 denarii per annum.

What was the legionary salary by the late first century CE under Emperor Domitian?

300 denarii per annum.

What could a Roman legionary soldier’s salary support?

An entire family, often sending money back home.

Who established Rome’s first full-time standing army and navy?

Augustus.

What problem did Augustus solve by establishing a full-time standing army?

Soldiers being loyal to generals instead of Rome, which caused civil wars.

To whom were Roman soldiers loyal after Augustus’ reforms?

The Emperor, as commander in chief.

How could Roman legionaries earn promotions?

Through good work in the army, which brought pay rises.

What expenses did Roman soldiers have to pay themselves?

Food, clothing, equipment, and contributions to a burial pension scheme.

What reward did a legionary receive upon honorable discharge?

3,000 denarii or land to settle his family.

How long was a typical Roman legionary’s service?

25 years.

How did the Roman army differ from Greek citizen armies?

It was a professional career army with paid soldiers, not made up of all citizens.

Why was the Roman army an attractive career for poor men?

It provided stable income and social benefits.

Why was recruitment difficult in some eastern provinces of the Roman Empire?

Because many residents were imperial subjects (non-citizens) rather than citizens.

How could imperial subjects in the Roman army gain citizenship?

By enrolling as soldiers, citizenship was granted upon honorable discharge.

Who could serve as Roman auxiliary soldiers?

Non-citizens of the Empire.

How did the pay of auxiliary soldiers compare to legionaries?

Auxiliaries were paid about one-third of legionary pay.

What was the main incentive for auxiliary soldiers to serve?

Promise of Roman citizenship for themselves and children after honorable discharge.

Name some rights conferred by Roman citizenship.

Right to vote, hold property, legally-recognized marriage, immunity from some taxes, right to a trial, protection from torture and death sentence except treason.

Why were auxiliary soldiers not allowed to serve in their province of birth?

To reduce chances of armed rebellion by familiar local soldiers.

What effect did auxiliary service have on migration in the Roman Empire?

It promoted multicultural communities by relocating soldiers across provinces.

What special abilities did some auxiliary troops have?

Archery (from Syria and Scythia) and horsemanship (from provinces with cavalry traditions).

Who mainly made up recruits for the Roman navy?

Auxiliary soldiers (non-citizens).

How did the pay and citizenship opportunities for Roman navy recruits compare to legionaries?

They were paid less but could earn citizenship after 25 years service.

From which provinces were Roman navy recruits often drawn?

Coastal provinces with strong naval traditions such as Greece, Phoenicia, and Egypt.