The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook

The army in peacetime 121
facilities, and aqueducts. The army also had to build roads and bridges,
and these activities often benefited the local community in the vicinity of
military establishments, since roads and bridges once built or repaired
would be used in the main by civilians. Products of military workshops
could also be sold outside the camp. There is much evidence for smithies
(fabricae) in army camps; the workshop at Corbridge, established
probably in the late second century, had about 560 square metres of
floorspace and accommodation for 100/150 men who worked in the
factory producing weapons and iron tools well beyond the requirements
of the troops in the camp. Such operations, however, will have taken
business away from local smiths. Bricks and tiles were made in large
quantities in legionary camps, and the use of bricks stamped with a legion’s
number in private housing may suggest that bricks constituted a kind of
commerce, in that they could be exchanged for local produce or services.
In all these cases the army’s role was closely connected with its military
responsibilities. But soldiers were also used to assist local communities
in the construction of public buildings that have no ostensible military
purpose, although the exact circumstances in which this occurred are
obscure. Military engineers and surveyors were often sent to assist local
communities (see MacMullen 1959; 1967:23–48).
192 D 49. 16. 12. 1
(Macer (3rd C.AD), Book I On Military Affairs)
Paternus has also written that the man who is attentive to the responsibilities
of the command of an army should grant leave very sparingly, not permit
a horse which belongs to the military to be taken outside the province, and
not send soldiers to carry out any private job, or to fish or hunt. In the
rules of discipline established by Augustus it is laid down as follows:
‘Although I know that it is not inappropriate for soldiers to be occupied in
building work, I am nevertheless afraid that if I grant permission for
anything to be done which might be in my interest or yours, it would not
be done in a fashion which would be acceptable to me’.
193 D 1. 16. 7. 1
(Ulpian (3rd C.AD), Book II On the Duties of a Proconsul)
He should visit temples and public buildings in order to inspect them
and find out if they are properly maintained and in good condition, or
if they require any repairs. Moreover, he should ensure that building
projects which have been begun are completed in so far as the resources