Augustus and the Auxilia: Foreign Soldiers in the Roman Army

The Roman legions get all the glory, but Augustus's empire was built and defended just as much by non-citizen troops: the auxilia. This episode explores how the first emperor formalized a system of auxiliary soldiers recruited from the provinces—Gauls, Germans, Thracians, Syrians, and more—who served for 25 years in exchange for citizenship for themselves and their families. Lucas and Luna trace the origins of the auxilia from the Republic's ad hoc allies to Augustus's permanent, state-organized units; examine the Cohors Italica and other famous regiments; and consider what life was like for a Batavian cavalryman or a Syrian archer stationed on Hadrian's Wall. They also discuss the price of this policy: the Batavian Revolt of 69–70 CE, when auxiliaries turned against Rome. Along the way, they touch on the Ala Petriana, the cobors equitata, the Vindolanda tablets, and the romanization of the provinces. A look at a military institution that made the Pax Romana possible but also sowed the seeds of future conflict. #Augustus #RomanArmy #Auxilia #BatavianRevolt #RomanHistory #PaxRomana #CohorsItalica #AlaPetriana #Vindolanda #RomanCitizenship #HadriansWall #AncientRome #EmperorAugustus #RomanMilitary #ProvincialTroops #HistoryPodcast #FexingoHistory #Mediterranean Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo