Roman Military Service: Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781107407909)

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.

Author: Sara Elise Phang
ISBN-10: 1107407907
ISBN-13: 9781107407909
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 10/04/2012
Pages: 354
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 1.00d