03-11-2013, 08:53 PM
I often hear that at some point during the Imperial period, the composition of Rome’s legions shifted almost entirely from Italian to provincial. At what point does this demographic shift really occur? Is there any reason other than proximity to the frontier at play?
As well, if the legions are manned by non-Romans/Italians, what is it that the Roman and Italian men are doing at this point in the Imperial period? Do they mostly enter into the merchant class during this period? Perhaps they shift into primarily bureaucratic positions? I know that the Praetorian Guard is composed entirely of Italians, but other than that I have read that the composition of the legions is skewed heavily in favor of non-Italians.
As well, if the legions are manned by non-Romans/Italians, what is it that the Roman and Italian men are doing at this point in the Imperial period? Do they mostly enter into the merchant class during this period? Perhaps they shift into primarily bureaucratic positions? I know that the Praetorian Guard is composed entirely of Italians, but other than that I have read that the composition of the legions is skewed heavily in favor of non-Italians.
Alexander
