Well there’s this old guy down the road with plenty of stories.
Or how many Russian conscripts survived this year?
Probably depends on what era they served in. After the civil wars and the abandonment of Germany, the Pax Romanum, I’d guess a lot lived to retirement. But, once the barbarian invasions began . . .
Too many. Their defined benefits plan is what bankrupted the Empire. It was all a ponzi scheme to begin with. [/jk]
Did they have a pension?
Yeah, so how was their dental program?
It would heavily depend on when they served, much as with any army.
One of my minor hobbies is studying what and how a Roman legion was equipped with and how they were supplied/foraged. The Romans knew the value of logistics something armies seem to keep relearning even today see todays headlines.
The Roman Legion camp was a marvel for it’s defense structure and how quickly it could be built. It’s standardization was a brilliant concept that lasted for at least 1,000 years, think about that.
Some didn’t last long and were made to fight wabid wild animals. Especially when they mocked Biggus Diccus:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzgS61zgPEg
Rome bkmk
For those who don’t want to watch the video the answer was “definitely over 50%”
“OLD POEM”
(Chinese)
At fifteen I went with the army,
At fourscore I came home.
On the way I met a man from the village,
I asked him who there was at home.
“That over there is your house,
All covered over with trees and bushes.”
Rabbits had run in at the dog-hole,
Pheasants flew down from the beams of the roof.
In the courtyard was growing some wild grain;
And by the well, some wild mallows.
I’ll boil the grain and make porridge,
I’ll pluck the mallows and make soup.
Soup and porridge are both cooked,
But there is no one to eat them with.
I went out and looked towards the east,
While tears fell and wetted my clothes.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42290/42290-h/42290-h.htm
Following happily 🙃