| The Roman Army has long been seen as a | | | | year, and it was common to have rituals to |
| fascinating and possibly the worlds most | | | | signify the beginning and end of the campaigns for |
| well-known military force. Its advanced fighting | | | | the year. During the time of the republic, the |
| tactics for the time coupled with superior | | | | army was solely a citizen army, and all citizens |
| leadership, armor, and weapons created an army | | | | were liable for service (provided they were |
| that was able to dominate much of the known | | | | financially able to own some land) within the |
| world. For the Roman citizens and subjects, the | | | | considered military age of seventeen to forty-six. |
| army formed an integral part of the lives and | | | | Every year a selection process took place called |
| hearts of the people. Government labels such as | | | | dilectus. All men of military age were required to |
| republic and empire accurate as they may be, do | | | | visit the capitol of Rome for possible recruitment. |
| not entirely describe the heart and sole of the | | | | Citizens with property valued at over 400 Denariia |
| Romans. In essence, they remained a military | | | | silver coin which was the principle form of |
| state throughout the life of the empire. | | | | payment in the Roman times were liable for |
| From the early republic to the late empire, the | | | | service. |
| Roman army directly influenced society and | | | | When enrolled in military service, the men were |
| balance of power within the empire and out. In | | | | required to serve a maximum of sixteen years, |
| this paper, I will discuss in detail why the Roman | | | | but often were only expected to serve six years |
| army was so powerful on and off the battle field | | | | with a callable period for the remaining ten years. |
| and also how it affected the lives and society of | | | | Some went into service only one year at a time, |
| the Roman Empire.The Army in the Roman | | | | and then would attend the selection process |
| Republic | | | | every year until their six years were up. It was |
| Since the Early Roman Republic, the army was | | | | not uncommon that all youths who were eligible |
| becoming a major part of the lives of the people. | | | | for military service served in a campaign for a |
| Wars and battles were fought just about every | | | | few years during their lives. |