this post was submitted on 21 Sep 2024
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History Memes

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[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 11 points 11 months ago

Explanation: One of the perks of being a soldier in service to Rome (or any ancient polity, for that matter) was that when a town refused to surrender, one's commander would generally give permission for the troops to loot it thoroughly. The Romans did so in a pretty orderly fashion, splitting the looted proceeds by shares apportioned by rank (a centurion, for example, received 16 shares compared to a common legionary's 1 share).

This meant that when a wealthy town refused to surrender, its fall would laden down even ordinary soldiers with a considerable bonus! For obvious reasons, then, soldiers in antiquity were not always put out by a town's refusal to surrender - and sometimes even openly called for a quick assault over a low-casualty siege!

[–] sigmaklimgrindset@sopuli.xyz 8 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Thank you for your consistent Roman-posting, PugJesus. My "History of Rome by Mike Duncan" hyperfixation is really paying off right now.

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago

I'm just a lowly legionary, doing my part to spread the good word of civilization! o7

[–] itsgroundhogdayagain@lemmy.ml 3 points 11 months ago

I thought that was a dog for way too long

[–] diegooooooo@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Mars and Bellona keep you PugJesus, Thanks for all your posting.

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago

A man is made to Romepost! Knowing at least a little bit of the content amuses or is appreciated is what keeps me posting! 🙏