Overview
This account follows Servius Felix, a Roman legionary in 15 CE, as he endures the hardships of military life, reflects on personal sacrifices, and confronts the trauma of past battle while serving in Germania.
Life and Background of Servius Felix
- Enlisted as a legionary at 18, coming from a poor farming family.
- Has avoided gambling, allowing him to save most of his wages and keep his original enlistment viaticum.
- Hopes to receive land and marry his beloved after completing 25 years of service.
Daily Routine and Hardships
- Participates in a “great march” covering nearly 36 kilometers while carrying over 20 kg of armor, weapons, and tools.
- Assigned the first watch at night to guard baggage animals and watch for ambushes, leading to little sleep.
- Eats breakfast with his tent companions, forming close bonds through shared struggles.
Structure and Composition of the Legion
- The legion consists of nearly 5,000 men, divided into cohorts and centuries, each led by a centurion.
- Soldiers come from across the Roman Empire, currently stationed in Germania.
- The legion is under the command of Germanicus, noted for his family’s military legacy.
- Aquilifers carry the eagle standard; centurions enforce strict marching discipline.
Tensions and Recent History
- Recent memories include a revolt among some legions over pay and service length, quelled by effective leadership.
- The current march is to a significant battlefield site, rather than combat, requiring construction of infrastructure like causeways and bridges.
The Teutoburg Forest and Servius’s Trauma
- The destination is the site of the catastrophic defeat in the Teutoburg Forest, where Servius was a rare survivor.
- Roman legions suffered massive losses, with many soldiers killed in an ambush led by Germanic tribes.
- The current mission is to bury the remains of fallen comrades, reviving painful memories for Servius.
Personal Aspirations and Reflections
- Servius is haunted by past losses and desires only a peaceful retirement with his future wife.
- He doubts the glory of Rome is worth the personal cost but is determined to endure for the hope of a better future.