Soldier of Rome- Rise of the Flavians
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Of interesting note: Cerealis’ daughter, Flavia Domitilla, was banished to the island of Pandataria by her uncle, Emperor Domitian, on the charge of atheism. This was a common charge levied against Romans who had converted to ‘Jewish ways’, more specifically the sect which became modern Christianity. As Cerealis’ date of death is not recorded, it is unknown if he was still alive when his daughter was condemned and banished. Since 1595, Flavia Domitilla has been revered as a saint in both the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Her Saint’s Day is 12 May.
Saint Flavia Domitilla
Galeria Fundana and the surviving members of Vitellius’ family were shown exceptional clemency by Vespasian. The emperor even helped her recently widowed daughter, Vitellia, to find a suitable husband. Vespasian even paid the dowry for his defeated rival’s daughter.
Lucilius Bassus was transferred from Legio XI and sent to replace Trajan as commanding legate of Legio X in Judea. He took part in the Siege of Jerusalem under Titus, and following the war was named commander-in-chief of Roman forces in Judea. He was then tasked with mopping up all remnants of the rebellion, successfully destroying the Jewish strongholds of Herodium and Machaerus. One of these fell when the Romans captured a young and rather brazen defender, stripped him naked, and had him flogged in full view of the defenses. The man’s cries were so pitiful, that once he was hung on the cross, the garrison immediately agreed to abandon the fortress, if their friend would be freed.
Bassus had intended to lay siege to the Herodian fortress of Masada; however, in late 72 A.D. he fell ill and died. He was replaced by the venerable Flavius Silva, who took command of Legio X and captured Masada the following year. The massive earthen ramp built by the Romans still stands to this day.
Flavius Silva
With no other potential rivals, Emperor Vespasian returned to Rome in triumph. He dispatched Cerealis to put down the Batavian rebellion, while leaving Titus to finish suppressing the Jewish revolt. Following the resolution of both, he ordered the doors to the Temple of Janus closed, at last ushering in the much sought after time of peace.
Due to his humble origins, he avoided the ostentatious pomp of many of his predecessors, while his amiable yet strong personality endeared him to both plebeian and patrician alike. He was both frugal and generous in equal measure, using imperial coin to aid citizens afflicted by natural disasters, rather than to expand his own wealth.
He ruled for ten years, before dying of a fever at the age of sixty-nine. His reign brought about much-needed stability to the Roman Empire, and ushered in the fairly short, albeit historically important Flavian Dynasty.
The Flavian Emperors: Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Titus (79-81), Domitian (81-96)
Appendix B: Roman Military Ranks
Legionary – Every citizen of the plebian class who enlisted in the legions started off as a legionary. Duration of service during the early empire was twenty years. Barring any promotions that would dictate otherwise, this normally consisted of sixteen years in the ranks, with another four either on lighter duties, or as part of the First Cohort. Legionaries served not only as the heart of the legion’s fighting force, they were also used for many building and construction projects.
Decanus – Also referred to interchangeably as a sergeant in the series, decanus was the first rank of authority that a legionary could be promoted to. Much like a modern-day sergeant, the decanus was the first-line leader of legionaries. He supervised training, as well as enforced personal hygiene and maintenance of equipment. On campaign he was in charge of getting the section’s tent erected, along with the fortifications of the camp.
Tesserarius – The first of the Principal ranks, the tesserarius primarily oversaw the fatigue and guard duties for the century. He maintained the duty roster and was also keeper of the watch word. On a normal day he could be found supervising work details or checking on the guard posts.
Signifier – He was the treasurer for the century and was in charge of all pay issues, so was much-loved on pay days. On campaign he carried the century’s standard (signum) into battle. This was used not only as a rallying point, but also as a visual means of communication. Traditionally he wore a bear’s hide over his helmet, draped around the shoulders of his armor. (A signifier wearing a wolf skin is a Hollywood invention). Because of his high level of responsibility, the signifier is third-in-command of the century.
Optio – The term optio literally means ‘chosen one’ for he was personally chosen by the centurion to serve as his deputy. He would oversee all training within the century, to include that of new recruits. In battle the optio would either stand behind the formation, keeping troops on line and in formation, or he would stand on the extreme left, able to coordinate with adjacent units.
Aquilifer – This man was a senior signifier bearing the eagle standard of a legion. ( Aquila means eagle.) This standard was the most important possession of the legion – losing it brought shame and humiliation to the entire legion. This position carried great honor, though it is debatable whether or not he wore any headdress or animal skin. It is known that he carried a small, circular shield called a parma instead of the legionary scutum.
Centurion – In addition to being its commander, the centurion was known to be the bravest and most tactically sound man within the century. While a stern disciplinarian, and at times harsh, it is borne of a genuine compassion for his men. The centurion knew that only through hard discipline and sound training could his men survive in battle. He was always on the extreme right of the front rank in battle; thereby placing himself in the most precarious position on the line. Mortality rates were high amongst centurions because they would sacrifice their own safety for that of their men.
Centurion Pilus Prior – Commander of a cohort of six centuries, the centurion pilus prior was a man of considerable influence and responsibility. He not only had to be able to command a century on a line of battle, but he had to be able to maneuver his cohort as a single unit. Such men were often given independent commands over small garrisons or on low-level conflicts. A centurion pilus prior could also be tasked with diplomatic duties; such was the respect foreign princes held for them. At this level, a soldier had to focus not just on his abilities as a leader of fighting men, but on his skills at diplomacy and politics.
Centurion Primus Ordo – The elite First Cohort’s Centuries were commanded by the centurions primus ordo. Though the number of soldiers under their direct command was fewer, these men were senior in rank to the centurions pilus prior. Men were often selected for these positions based on vast experience and for being the best tacticians in the legion. As such, part of the duty of a centurion primus ordo was acting as a strategic and tactical advisor to the commanding general. Generals such as Caesar, Marius, Tiberius, and Agrippa were successful in part because they had a strong circle of First Cohort Centurions advising them.
Centurion Primus Pilus – Also referred to as the chief or master centurion , this is the pinnacle of the career of a Roman soldier. Though socially subordinate to the tribunes, the centurion primus pilus possessed more power and influence than any and was, in fact, third-in-command of the entire legion. He was also the commander of the elite First Cohort in battle. Upon retirement, a centurion primus pilus (and possibly centurions of lesser ranks as well) was elevated into the patrician class of society. He could then stand for public office, and his sons would be eligible for appointments as tribunes. Even while still serving in the ranks, a centurion primus pilus was allowed to wear the narrow purple stripe of a patrician on his toga; such was the respect Roman society held for them.
Tribune – Tribunes came from the patrician class, often serving only six month tours with the legions. Though there were exceptions, many tribunes stayed on the line only long enough to complete their tour of duty before going on to a better assignment. Primarily serving as staff officers for the commanding legate, a tribune would sometimes be given command of auxiliary troops if he proved himself a capable leader. Most wer
e looking for a career in politics, though they knew they had to get as much experience as they could out of their time in the legions. In Soldier of Rome , Pontius Pilate is an example of a tribune who elects to stay with the legions for as long as he is able, preferring the life of a soldier to the soft comforts of a political magistrate.
Laticlavian Tribune – Most commonly referred to as the chief tribune, he was a young man of the senatorial class starting off his career. Second-in-command of the legion, his responsibility was incredible, though he was often aided by the master centurion, who would act as a mentor. A soldier’s performance as chief tribune would determine whether or not he would be fit to command a legion of his own someday. Given the importance of military success to the future senator’s career, he would no doubt make every effort to prove himself competent and valiant in battle.
Legate – The legate was a senator who had already spent time in the legions as a laticlavian tribune and had proven himself worthy of command. Of all the possible offices that a nobleman could hold, none was dearer to a Roman than command of her armies.
Legion Infantry Strength (estimated)
Legionaries – 3,780
First Cohort Legionaries – 700
Decani – 610
Tesserarii – 59
Signifiers – 59
Options – 59
Aquilifer – 1
Centurions – 45 (approximately 80 men to a century)
Centurions Pilus Prior – 9
Centurions Primus Ordo – 4
Centurion Primus Pilus – 1
Tribunes – 6
Chief Tribune – 1
Legate – 1
With the stories The Year of the Four Emperors and The Rise of the Flavians complete, the Trilogy of the Great Jewish Revolt can now conclude
Soldier of Rome: The Fall of Jerusalem
Further Reading / Bibliography
Morgan, Gwyn. 69 A.D.: The Year of the Fouor Emperors. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Tacitus, Gaius Cornelius. The Histories. London: Penguin Books, 1995.
Wellesley, Kenneth. Year of the Four Emperors (Roman Imperial Biographies) . London: Routledge, 2000.
The Works of James Mace
Note: In each series or combination of series’, all works are listed in chronological sequence
The Artorian Chronicles
Soldier of Rome: The Legionary
Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt
Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion
Soldier of Rome: The Centurion
Empire Betrayed: The Fall of Sejanus (Novella)
Soldier of Rome: Journey to Judea
Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign
Centurion Valens and the Empress of Death (Novella)
The Great Jewish Revolt and Year of the Four Emperors
Soldier of Rome: Rebellion in Judea
Soldier of Rome: Vespasian’s Fury
Soldier of Rome: Reign of the Tyrants
Soldier of Rome: Rise of the Flavians
Napoleonic Era
Forlorn Hope: The Storming of Badajoz (Novella)
I Stood With Wellington
Courage, Marshal Ney
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