Auxiliary Garrison

Rome expected its people to fight for their city and country in times of need. The army was originally a citizen militia where nearly all members provided their own weapons and equipment. As Rome’s power increased, more troops were needed to defend it, so auxiliary soldiers were recruited from non-Romans to fill the rank and file. The enlistment of auxiliary troops began by the first de facto Emperor, Augustus, drew on provincial non-citizens, allies and conquered nations. Service was for 25 years, after which an auxiliary and his heirs were granted Roman citizenship, an important and superior legal status. The Roman army included many cultures and nationalities, often speaking their own languages and fighting in their own traditional styles. By the 2nd century AD half the army's total strength, and almost all its cavalry, consisted of auxiliaries.