When Roman soldiers weren’t fighting, they spent most of their time on military duties like building camps, drilling, and standing guard, but they also had leisure time for games, gambling, bathing, and religious observances. Their daily routine was highly structured, and even “off duty” time was regulated by the army’s discipline.
The Roman Army’s Structure and Routine
The Roman army was a professional, standing force, especially during the Empire (from 27 BC onward). Soldiers enlisted for 25 years (for legionaries) or 26-28 years (for auxiliaries). Their lives were governed by a strict daily schedule, which varied by rank and assignment. A typical day began before dawn with a morning report, followed by assigned duties. Even in peacetime, the army maintained a state of readiness, so soldiers were rarely idle. The army’s efficiency depended on keeping soldiers occupied with training, construction, and administrative tasks.
Construction and Engineering Work
One of the most important non-combat roles was building. Soldiers were trained engineers and laborers. They built:
- Fortifications: Whenever the army stopped for the night, soldiers dug a ditch and built a rampart with a palisade, creating a temporary camp. This was done almost daily on campaign.
- Permanent forts: Along frontiers like Hadrian’s Wall (begun around 122 AD), soldiers constructed stone and timber forts, watchtowers, and roads.
- Infrastructure: They built roads, bridges, aqueducts, and even amphitheaters. For example, the Colosseum in Rome was built partly by Jewish prisoners of war, but many provincial amphitheaters were built by legionary labor.
This work was not just busywork; it maintained the army’s engineering skills and provided vital infrastructure for the empire.
Training and Drills
Training was continuous. Soldiers practiced with wooden swords and wicker shields to avoid injuries. They drilled in formation, practiced marching, and did physical exercises like running and jumping. Vegetius, a late Roman writer, records that recruits were trained to march at a rate of 20 Roman miles (about 18.4 modern miles) in five hours. Even veteran soldiers performed regular weapons practice to keep their skills sharp. The army also conducted mock battles and maneuvers, sometimes with both sides using blunted weapons.
Guard Duty and Policing
Guarding was a constant duty. Soldiers stood watch at gates, walls, and supply depots. They also served as military police, patrolling roads and towns, and could be assigned to collect taxes or escort officials. In Rome itself, the Praetorian Guard (the emperor’s elite unit) served as palace guards and political enforcers. In the provinces, soldiers often acted as local law enforcement, dealing with bandits and maintaining order.
Religious Duties and Festivals
Religion was woven into military life. Soldiers worshipped the Roman gods, as well as Mithras, a Persian-derived god popular among soldiers, and other eastern deities. They participated in regular sacrifices and festivals. The army had its own priests and religious standards, such as the eagle (aquila) of a legion, which was treated as a sacred object. Soldiers also honored the emperor as a divine figure, which was part of their loyalty oath. Religious ceremonies were important for morale and unit cohesion.
Leisure and Recreation
When off duty, soldiers had free time, especially in permanent forts. They played board games, such as a game similar to modern backgammon, and gambling with dice was common, though officially discouraged. They also engaged in sports, including wrestling and ball games. Bathhouses were a central part of fort life, serving as places to bathe, socialize, and exercise. Soldiers could also visit taverns and shops that often sprang up outside forts. Some wrote letters home, as evidenced by wooden tablets found at Vindolanda in Britain, which include personal correspondence and requests for items like socks and underpants.
Pay, Allowances, and Economy
Soldiers were paid three times a year, but deductions were made for food, clothing, and equipment. They often saved money, and some sent it home or deposited it with the legion’s standard-bearer for safekeeping. Many soldiers had savings accounts, and some invested in land or businesses. Auxiliary soldiers, who were non-citizens, received a smaller pay but were granted Roman citizenship upon discharge after 25 years of service. This was a major incentive for joining. Veterans often settled near their forts, receiving a plot of land or a cash bonus (praemia) upon retirement.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Roman soldiers were constantly fighting. In reality, for many, combat was rare. Most of their service was spent on garrison duty, construction, and administration. Another misconception is that soldiers could marry. Until the late 2nd century AD, legionaries were forbidden to marry, but many had unofficial families. Auxiliaries were allowed to marry, and their children could become citizens. The ban on marriage for legionaries was eventually lifted by Septimius Severus around 197 AD. Also, soldiers were not all Roman citizens; auxiliaries were recruited from non-citizen provincials, and they made up about half of the army’s strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Roman soldiers have days off?
Yes, they had some free time, but not in the modern sense of a weekend. Duties were rotated, and soldiers had time for personal activities, especially when in a permanent fort. However, they could be called for duty at any time, and leave (commeatus) was granted sparingly, often for emergencies or special occasions.
What did Roman soldiers eat when not fighting?
Their diet was based on wheat, which they ground into flour for bread or porridge. They also had vegetables, lentils, cheese, and occasionally meat, such as pork or beef, especially during triumphs or religious festivals. Each soldier received a daily ration of grain, and they often cooked their own meals or ate in mess groups. They also drank wine diluted with water, and a sour wine called posca.
Did Roman soldiers have families?
Legionaries were not allowed to marry until the late 2nd century AD, but many formed long-term relationships with local women, and their children were considered illegitimate but often recognized. Auxiliaries could marry, and their sons could enlist and become citizens. After discharge, veterans often married and settled near their forts.
What happened to Roman soldiers after retirement?
Upon honorable discharge after 25 years of service, legionaries received a cash bonus or a plot of land. They also received a discharge certificate (honesta missio) that granted them privileges, such as exemption from certain taxes. Many veterans became farmers, while others took up trades or became local officials. They often formed veteran communities, sometimes called “veteran colonies,” which helped Romanize the provinces.
Related
- Seawater Greenhouse: How It Works & Cost
- Where Alligators and Crocodiles Overlap
- Prettiest Towns in Vermont: A Local’s Guide
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.