It was a good deal and a good life for that time, at least for those who came from various humble backgrounds. They had the satisfaction of carrying out astounding feats of construction, many of which leave traces to this day.
“They had the satisfaction of carrying out astounding feats of construction, many of which leave traces to this day.”
Aqueducts still capable of carrying water, roads built to a standard (the autobahn of their day), the Romans built to last.
Keeping the Legions busy build things kept the laddies from getting bored and start talking about rebellion and such. Pretty smart of their leaders. Also kept the newly conquered locals amazed at their, by their standards, bright new life.
Has any army , before or since, carried as many engineers with it?
I know we have entire construction battalions, or divisions, but we can’t build with the reliability and permanence of the Roman Legions.