Roman Military Punishments Collection

Breaking the Legs (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725), after 1725

Issued Barley Instead of Wheat [first version] (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725), after 1725

Shameful Discharge (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725), after 1725

Taking Away the Military Belt or Girdle (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725), after 1725

Fustigatio (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725), after 1725

AM170720 083237
8, AM170720 083237

AM170720 083235
8, AM170720 083235

AM170720 083233
8, AM170720 083233

AM170720 083244
8, AM170720 083244

AM170720 083234
8, AM170720 083234

AM170720 083241
8, AM170720 083241

AM170720 083240
8, AM170720 083240

AM170720 083236
8, AM170720 083236

AM170720 083243
8, AM170720 083243

AM170720 083238
8, AM170720 083238

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Roman Military Punishments: A Glimpse into the Harsh Discipline of Ancient Warfare" In the annals of history, the Roman Empire stands as a formidable force that dominated vast territories. Behind their military might, however, lay a system of strict discipline and severe punishments. John Beaver's illustrations from his work "Roman Military Punishments" shed light on these brutal practices. One such punishment was "Breaking the Legs, " depicted in Beaver's artwork after 1725. This gruesome penalty involved shattering the limbs of disobedient soldiers, leaving them permanently disabled and humiliated. Another horrifying method employed by the Romans was Crucifixion, as shown in Beaver's illustration. This agonizing form of execution served as a deterrent for treason or rebellion within their ranks. Decimation, another merciless practice captured by Beaver's artistry, showcased how Roman commanders dealt with units deemed disloyal or cowardly. In this ruthless act, one out of every ten soldiers would be randomly chosen to be beaten to death by their comrades—an unimaginable horror inflicted upon those who failed to meet Rome's high standards. The issuance of barley instead of wheat was yet another means to punish errant soldiers—a subtle but degrading reminder that they had fallen out of favor with their superiors. Shameful Discharge portrayed in Beaver's work highlighted how dishonorable conduct could lead to expulsion from the military ranks altogether. Stripped off any sense of pride and identity associated with being a soldier, these individuals were cast aside as societal pariahs. Taking Away the Military Belt or Girdle represented an additional disgraceful consequence faced by transgressors within Roman legions—stripped not only physically but also symbolically from their position and authority. Fustigatio illustrated yet another cruel disciplinary measure wherein offenders endured public floggings—their bodies lashed repeatedly until blood stained both skin and soul alike.