Roman Military Service: Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate

Sara Phang explores the ideals and realities of Roman military discipline, which regulated the behaviour 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 organised study analyses these aspects of discipline, using both literary and documentary sources. Phang emphasises social and cultural conflicts in the Roman army. Contrary to the impression that Roman emperors bought their soldiers and indulged them, discipline restrained such behaviour and legitimised and stabilised 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.