Warriors of the Roman Empire

Those who Fight for the Glory of Rome

Fantasy equal: Legionnaire

During times of war all able-bodied men and fit boys were enlisted in the Roman legions and made ready for battle. Many wars were fought abroad and lasted for years. Boys became men, youthful men remained childless and fragile men perished from ailments or old age.

Months passed by only to reach the enemy’s territory and time spent on tactical planning and preparation. It is during these long periods of marching, travelling and sleeping in tents or under the stars where the legionnaires are left to their own devices. They found themselves at their sexual peak and the only means of eradicating the feverish itch was to take care of it themselves or head over to the livestock in search of a hole... but wait, what about their brothers in arms? Surely they have had that same itch. Surely they would have understood each others’ predicament? Would one brother have been willing to help another to have the same favour returned to him?

This has made me wonder to what extent homosexuality is practiced amongst comrades, especially in ancient times where the great Roman Empire travelled far and conquered all. Clutched within winter’s grasp, have comrades ever kept one another warm by sharing a sleeping bag? Huddled together in the hull of a juggernaut, did they ever pull their triggers in each other’s company? Were some legionnaires willing to reduce the swell of their fellow warriors by going down on them or even bend over to be mounted? One can only wonder...

"The Roman Army is recognised by historians as an extremely effective fighting machine. Ironically, its success also led to its downfall. The lowest level of soldier in the Roman Army was the legionnaire. Between 5000 and 6000 legionaries made up a legion that was commanded by a legatus. Legionnaires were trained to fight in a disciplined and co-ordinated manner. A whole legion could be punished for failing to fight well in battle - even if the Romans did win the battle itself! Training was brutal and tough but it paid huge dividends for the Romans."