Roman Military Service

ISBN-13: 9780521882699 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 334 str.

Sara Elise Phang

Opis

In this book, Sara Phang explores the ideals and realities of Roman military discipline, which regulated the behavior of soldiers in combat and their punishment, as well as economic aspects of their service, including compensation and other benefits, work, and consumption. This thematically organized study analyzes these aspects of discipline, using both literary and documentary sources. Phang emphasizes social and cultural conflicts in the Roman army. Contrary to the impression that Roman emperors "bought" their soldiers and indulged them, discipline restrained such behavior and legitimized and stabilized the imperial power. Phang argues that emperors and aristocratic commanders gained prestige from imposing discipline, while displaying leadership in person and a willingness to compromise with a restive soldiery.

Recenzje

'… a welcome contribution to our understanding of the important subject of discipline in the Roman army.' Arctos

Spis treści

1. Theorizing discipline: social conflict, legitimation, and power; 2. Combat training and discipline; 3. Viri militares: habitus and discipline; 4. Disciplina and punishment; 5. Disciplining wealth: the ideologies of stipendia and donativa; 6. Labor militaris: work as discipline; 7. Feasts of mass destruction: disciplina and austerity.