Auxiliaries

Definition

Auxiliaries refer to additional forces or groups that support a primary military or political authority, often used to maintain order or enforce laws. In the context of ancient Greek and Roman political thought, auxiliaries played a crucial role in the military strategies and governance structures of city-states and empires, reflecting the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and civic duty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auxiliaries were often non-citizens or allies who provided military support to city-states, allowing them to expand their forces without increasing their own citizen army.
2. In ancient Rome, auxiliaries were crucial in supplementing the legions, consisting of troops from conquered territories who were granted certain privileges for their service.
3. The use of auxiliaries reflects the importance of alliances in ancient warfare, as these groups could turn the tide of battle when employed strategically.
4. Auxiliaries were not only military forces; they also played roles in maintaining civil order and executing state policies, particularly in newly acquired territories.
5. The integration of auxiliaries into the political system highlighted issues of loyalty and identity, as these groups often had different cultural backgrounds from the primary ruling class.

Review Questions

• How did the use of auxiliaries impact the military strategies of ancient Greek and Roman states?
  • The incorporation of auxiliaries allowed ancient Greek and Roman states to enhance their military capabilities without over-relying on their citizen soldiers. This strategy enabled them to field larger armies by drawing on external forces or allies. As a result, city-states could engage in more extensive campaigns and adapt to various military challenges, demonstrating flexibility in their approach to warfare.
• Discuss the role of auxiliaries in the governance of conquered territories during the Roman Empire.
  • Auxiliaries played a significant role in governing conquered territories by acting as local enforcers of Roman law and order. These troops often hailed from the regions they patrolled, which helped bridge cultural gaps between the Romans and local populations. By employing auxiliaries in administrative roles, Rome could maintain control over diverse regions while fostering cooperation among various groups.
• Evaluate how the concept of auxiliaries reflects broader themes of loyalty and citizenship in ancient political thought.
  • The use of auxiliaries highlights important themes regarding loyalty and citizenship in ancient political thought. While auxiliaries contributed to military efforts and governance, their status as non-citizens raised questions about their rights and responsibilities within the political framework. This dynamic illustrates how states navigated issues of identity, allegiance, and civic duty, as well as the complexities inherent in integrating diverse groups into a cohesive political structure.

Related terms

Mercenaries: Soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army, often motivated by financial gain rather than loyalty to a state.

Citizenship: The status of being a member of a city-state or nation, often associated with certain rights and responsibilities within the political community.

Phalanx: A tactical formation of heavily armed infantry soldiers used by ancient Greek city-states, emphasizing collective action and discipline.