A Day in the Army

You’re on the List

A Roman soldier didn’t wake up and ask, “What do I feel like doing today?” The army had already decided.

Duties were assigned. You might spend part of the day training, stand guard at a gate, patrol a road, escort a census official, carry a message, move supplies, or join whatever project the army had decided needed several dozen men.

Someone kept track of all this. Surviving Roman military records list duty rosters, who was present or absent, even who was sick. So telling the centurion you were pretty sure today was your day off wasn’t going to work.

Guard duty continued after dark. When your watch ended, another soldier took your place.

Then you could get some sleep.

Unless, of course, your name was on tomorrow’s list too.