Did Roman soldiers retire?

Some soldiers were able to retire as wealthy men and build a comfortable life for themselves. By law, Roman soldiers were forbidden to marry while in active service. Naturally, that rule proved very difficult to enforce and was often ignored.

How long did you have to serve in the Roman army before you could retire?

Every new recruit had to be fighting fit – anyone who was weak or too short was rejected. Legionaries signed up for at least 25 years’ service. But if they survived their time, they were rewarded with a gift of land they could farm. Old soldiers often retired together in military towns, called ‘colonia’.

How long was the standard length of service for a Roman soldier?

The average number of years served was about ten. In 13 BC, Augustus decreed sixteen years as the standard term of service for legionary recruits, with a further four years as reservists (evocati). In AD 5, the standard term was increased to twenty years plus five years in the reserves.

What happened when Roman soldiers retired?

Once retired, a Roman legionary received a parcel of land or its equivalent in money and often became a prominent member of society.

What was the length of service for a Roman soldier?

By 6 AD, the initial length of service for a Roman soldier (legionary) was increased to 20 years from 16 years, and it was complemented by the praemia militare (or discharge bonus), a lump sum that was increased to 12,000 sesterces (or 3,000 denarii). And by the middle of 1st century AD, the service was further extended to 25 years.

What were the final rewards for military service in ancient Rome?

In the early Empire, a soldier received a final, huge monetary payment and a plot of land, as his final rewards for his 25 years of service. I honestly don’t know – and I doubt if anyone does know – if these were still given to a soldier at the end of his service c. 400 AD.

How were veterans of the Roman Empire honored?

There was probably some kind of ceremony for veterans; very likely they were honored in some way in front of the legion; if they were coming from an elite unit perhaps they were even honored in front of the emperor. There is lots of evidence from tombstones and other inscriptions, that Roman soldiers did often stay on after their 25 years.

How did the Roman army change from tribal to citizen soldiers?

In any case, the transition of the Roman army from ‘tribal’ warriors to citizen soldiers was achieved in part due to the Roman society and its intrinsic representation (with voting rights) in the Roman assembly. Early Roman soldiers, circa 7th century BC.