Our systems are now restored following recent technical disruption, and we’re working hard to catch up on publishing. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Find out more

Recommended product

Popular links

Popular links


Roman Military Service

Roman Military Service

Roman Military Service

Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate
Sara Elise Phang
October 2012
Paperback
9781107407909
AUD$86.95
inc GST
Paperback
inc GST
Hardback

    In this book, 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-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 behaviour 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.

    • The first accessible study of Roman military discipline in English
    • Presents a social and cultural history of the Roman army
    • Emphasizes the challenges faced by Roman leadership

    Reviews & endorsements

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

    See more reviews

    Product details

    October 2012
    Paperback
    9781107407909
    354 pages
    229 × 152 × 20 mm
    0.52kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • 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.
      Author
    • Sara Elise Phang