The art of command: The Roman army general and his troops, 135BC--138AD.

The common picture of the Roman army is, on the whole, one of unquestioning obedience and severe discipline. Such a view is unrealistic---an organization so successful, and so central to the Roman state could not have existed without any mechanisms for flexibility and change. One characteristic of the Roman army general---his manner, especially as shaped by the ideal trait of comitas, or affability, helped to effect such flexibility by providing a positive incentive for obedience. As such, it was much like the plunder and rewards for valor which Polybius holds to be balances for severe punishment (6.37.7-39). Thus, the general's manner, often only viewed as a stereotype, was an essential means of maintaining discipline, especially through his manipulation of it to encourage his army to model his behavior---as in civilian life, the aristocrat was an exemplum for others to imitate. In this thesis I examine the foundations of military discipline, focusing on its emphasis on behavior at all levels of the military hierarchy. I begin with a reappraisal of the principles of discipline, locating its center in the soldier's willingness to demonstrate self-control according to a set of guidelines presented by the commander. The virtue of self-control was not limited to battle; rather, as accounts of army training demonstrate, it extended to all aspects of military life. I conclude with a closer analysis of the general's manipulation of his manner. This was heavily influenced by the aristocrat's education---rhetorical training was not only useful in the forum. Demonstrations of unity and behavior modeling between a leader and group are universal. Yet they are manifested uniquely in every culture. What made Roman methods of military leadership a product of their culture was a highly structured approach to discipline and training combined with openness of communication between ranks. Both discipline and comitas contributed to army stability---discipline with its structure, and comitas with its openness. Any institution which thrives for centuries must undergo significant changes, and the interplay between military discipline and comitas in the Roman army provided one avenue for these to occur.PhDAncient historyClassical literatureLanguage, Literature and LinguisticsSocial SciencesUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/123237/2/3068924.pd