07-29-2013, 04:40 PM
Originally, the auxiliary forces were created for non-Roman citizens. Soldiers served for 25-30 years and then received Roman citizenship on discharge.
In comparison to the legions, the conditions were worse, as the salary was lower and soldiers didn't receive any land grant or cash bonus on retirement.
However, during the 1st and 2nd century A.D., an increasing number of Roman citizens began serving with the auxiliaries, when they could have perfectly qualified to serve in the legions. It made me wonder what the possible reasons could be:
- they could be sons of auxiliary soldiers who had grown up nearby the camp, and saw the unit as an extended family. Therefore, enlisting in the auxiliaries was like "staying at home".
- they could have ended up there not voluntarily, but were instead legionary applicants who had failed the "entrance requirements" and therefore sent to a less prestigious unit.
- discipline in the auxiliary forces could be more relaxed, with soldiers enjoying less rigorous training and more time off. (such consumptions have not been confirmed)
Has anyone ever made an in-depth study?
In comparison to the legions, the conditions were worse, as the salary was lower and soldiers didn't receive any land grant or cash bonus on retirement.
However, during the 1st and 2nd century A.D., an increasing number of Roman citizens began serving with the auxiliaries, when they could have perfectly qualified to serve in the legions. It made me wonder what the possible reasons could be:
- they could be sons of auxiliary soldiers who had grown up nearby the camp, and saw the unit as an extended family. Therefore, enlisting in the auxiliaries was like "staying at home".
- they could have ended up there not voluntarily, but were instead legionary applicants who had failed the "entrance requirements" and therefore sent to a less prestigious unit.
- discipline in the auxiliary forces could be more relaxed, with soldiers enjoying less rigorous training and more time off. (such consumptions have not been confirmed)
Has anyone ever made an in-depth study?
