Roman Military Service: Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate
Cambridge University Press, 1/14/2008
EAN 9780521882699, ISBN10: 0521882699
Hardcover, 334 pages, 23.5 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
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.
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.