Emperors of Rome | Emperor and Soldier (Lecture 31)

Lecture 31: Given that the basis of the emperors’ power lay with the swords of the imperial army, no relationship was more important to the rulers of Rome than that with their troops. Emperors from Augustus on employed various measures to monopolize army loyalties, from oaths of allegiance to direct monetary payments (or promises thereof) for continued adherence to the current regime. These measures are surveyed in detail, as are the dispositions of the troops in the empire and the different classes of soldier that comprised the imperial army. All enjoyed some sort of direct relationship with the emperor, from the citizen legionary to the foreign auxiliary. Some emperors took the extra effort to lead the troops personally on campaign. Others ignored the armies to their ultimate cost. For their part, the professional troops of the imperial period displayed a growing awareness of their political power from A.D. 69 onward, an awareness that, in the 3rd century, almost led to the collapse of the empire.

Essential Reading:
Campbell, The Emperor and the Roman Army, especially pp. 1–203.

Supplementary Reading:
Le Bohec, The Imperial Roman Army.
Webster, The Roman Imperial Army.