The Roman Veterans: Life in the Roman Army under Pompey the Great

The Ten Minute Time Machine

The Roman army during the late Republic, especially under Pompey the Great, was a powerful force that expanded Rome’s influence. Life for a Roman soldier in Pompey’s campaigns involved rigorous training, modest pay, difficult deployments, a strict hierarchy, and the hope of rewards after service.

Training and Discipline: Roman soldiers endured intense physical and combat training to build endurance, strength, and cohesion. They marched long distances with heavy packs, trained with wooden swords to build strength, and practiced group tactics to enhance battlefield efficiency. Pompey prioritized discipline, ensuring his forces were ready for diverse terrains and combat scenarios.

Religious Beliefs and Warfare: Religion was integral to Roman military life, with soldiers engaging in sacrifices, prayers, and observing omens to seek divine favor. They believed success depended on the gods’ will, so augurs interpreted signs from animals, especially before battle. Soldiers also made personal vows (vota) for protection and victory, fulfilling these promises if they survived. Victorious soldiers participated in triumphal ceremonies to thank the gods.

Pay, Benefits, and Living Conditions: Basic pay was low, but soldiers supplemented their income through loot. Generals like Pompey distributed rewards to boost morale. Soldiers lived in tents with seven others, building camaraderie but offering little privacy, often constructing camps with defenses in new locations.

Deployment and Campaign Life: Pompey’s campaigns required soldiers to adapt to various terrains, climates, and enemies. Deployments were long, particularly in the East, demanding resilience and adaptability. Soldiers carried their own supplies, including food and weapons, and were sometimes forced to ration and forage.

Military Organization and Command: The Roman army was highly structured, with legions divided into smaller units led by centurions who maintained discipline and command on the battlefield. Centurions were promoted based on bravery and experience, becoming essential to the army's hierarchy. Pompey’s absolute authority allowed him to engage directly with his men, fostering loyalty.

Veteran Life and Rewards: Veterans aspired to receive land and pensions as rewards for their service. Pompey often settled veterans in colonies, which promoted Roman influence and rewarded soldiers with land for farming. Veterans were respected within their communities and often held elevated social status, contributing to local militias or mentoring younger soldiers.

Pompey’s Reforms for Veterans: Recognizing the challenges veterans faced, Pompey actively sought land and financial rewards for his troops to prevent unrest. He used wealth from his eastern campaigns to advocate for veteran benefits, including land reforms in the Senate. These efforts ensured loyalty and stability, consolidating Pompey’s power and setting a precedent for veteran welfare in Rome.

Conclusion: Roman soldiers under Pompey the Great were disciplined, loyal, and resilient, enduring harsh conditions in exchange for the promise of land, financial rewards, and honor. Pompey’s leadership emphasized military discipline, structure, and loyalty, leaving a legacy that shaped the Roman army and the treatment of veterans throughout the empire's history.