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Roman military discipline was famous for its severity—but punishment was not one-size-fits-all.

Depending on the period and offense, Roman soldiers could face fines, flogging, loss of pay or rank, disgrace and, for serious offenses, much harsher penalties. Ancient sources also describe decimation, a punishment associated with serious collective cowardice or desertion in which lots were drawn to select approximately one-tenth of the guilty group for fatal punishment.

Polybius gives a detailed account of Republican military discipline, including the fustuarium for certain serious offenses and barley rations and exposure for others.

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Transcript
00:00One wrong decision could put a Roman soldier directly in his commander's sights.
00:08Punishments could range from fines and flogging, to loss of rank or harsher penalties for serious offenses.
00:16For grave collective cowardice, Roman commanders used decimation.
00:24Rome didn't need every soldier to be fearless.
00:27It needed every soldier to obey.
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