The Roman Military and Roman Sources

Much of the success of the Roman Republic relied on her (a)   .

What did the Roman military constantly allow the Republic to do?

• Subdue their citizens should they ever cite rebellion.

• Remain safe and protected from outside threats.

• Invade neighbouring nations, which expanded access to resources, a tax base, and most importantly - slaves.

What was unusual about the Roman military for the time at 83BCE?

• It was a professional army.

• Soldiers were full-time soldiers who got paid for their efforts.

• Other nations used regular working citizens who would be called upon to fight when needed.

• The Roman army had ranks whereas other countries used a simple system of all foot soldiers.

The Roman military had only been professional since circa. (a)  

Most soldiers were upper class Roman citizens, because it was a job that came with glory and heroism and a way to ascend the Cursus Honorum.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Most Roman soldiers were lower class Roman citizens, as it was one of the few careers available even to poor Roman citizens that promised basic, decent living conditions for an extended period of time.

Rome's armies also relied on (a)   soldiers, non-Roman citizens ruled by the Republic that often fought in their native fashion.

Soldiers spent extended periods on campaign, sometimes years.

• True

• False

Which of the following statements is true for the Roman officers?

• Most of the military officers - commanders - were upper class Romans, especially the highest ranks.

• Roman officers had started as basic foot soldiers, and worked their way through the ranks to be eligible for the position of a ranking officer.

• Serving around ten years as a military officer was the first step on the cursus honorum for any upper class Roman - if they did not pursue a legal career.

• Consuls, praetors and provincial promagistrates were the highest ranked officers, consuls especially were responsible for armies across vast military campaigns.

The pay was the main reason soldiers chose to fight in the army.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The daily pay for Roman solders was very poor, which was better than nothing.

However loot from defeated enemies, towns, and cities was distributed amongst participating soldiers, and this could make a regular lower class Roman citizen quite comfortable if his general kept leading his men to victory.

Which of the following were incentives to keep the Roman soldiers happy and motivated?

• Loot from defeated enemies, towns, and cities was distributed amongst participating soldiers.

• This loot could make a regular lower class Roman citizen quite comfortable if his general kept leading his men to victory.

• Soldiers who were part of successful campaigns expected to be, and often were, rewarded with small plots of land on their return - either in Italy or in the provinces.

• This land would allow them to live relatively comfortably for the rest of their lives.